Free Agent Wrap-up

With only a few hours left in the free agent signing period and most of the top shelf talent off the market, it seemed like a good time to review the big signings from this past off-season's free agent frenzy.

Tino Rubel (28) CF, Honolulu: 5 years, $90 million
In a peculiar move, Rubel was non-tendered by Kansas City and proceeded to break the bank in free agency, signing one of the largest free agent contracts in Duff Beer history. Only 28 years old, the length of the contract would seem to be less of a concern than the astonishing dollar figure. Rubel is a prototypical leadoff hitter with excellent speed and above average on-base ability, as evidenced by his career .391 OBP. A stellar centerfielder, Rubel will also solidify Honolulu's defense up the middle. Although he is clearly an impact player, the question must be asked... is Rubel worth $18 million/year? Only time will tell.

Mark Hamilton (30) SP, Chicago: 4 years, $44.6 million (team option for season 8)
The most coveted free agent pitcher, Hamitlon ignited a bidding war among several pitching-starved teams. A legitimate top of the rotation arm, Hamilton's resume includes a 20 win season in year 1, eight complete games in only 81 career starts, and a lifetime 4.06 ERA. After consecutive 200 inning seasons to start his career, Hamilton was disabled twice last season with significant arm injuries, reducing the effectiveness of his trademark 4-seam fastball. Signed through his age 33 season, Hamilton is likely to regress with age. That said, with the scarcity of pitching across the league, Hamilton will provide a solid return-on-investment if he can average 25 starts/season over the life of the contract.

Sammy Ramirez (32) SS, Scranton: 2 years, $27 million (player option for year 6)
A gold-glove caliber defender, Ramirez was a steady contributor for the defending champion New Orleans Mardi Gras over the last three seasons, posting an OPS over .800 from the shortstop position. With excellent speed and a keen batting eye, Ramirez should be a fixture atop the Scranton lineup for the next three seasons. Although he's been incredibly consistent up to this point, at the age of 32, Ramirez has probably reached the point of diminising returns. It is unlikely that he will need to be moved off of SS in the near future, but his offensive production is likely to slip as he ages.

Frank Eckstein (34) LF, Richmond: 3 years, $14 million (mutual option for year 7)
Another type-A free agent defecting from the defending champs, Eckstein is a superb defensive left fielder with excellent speed and on-base ability. Averaging only 14 HR over the last three seasons, Eckstein does not fit the mold of the typical slugging corner outfielder. He does, however, profile as a very good leadoff or #2 two hitter in an already stacked lineup. At age 34, it is questionable whether Eckstein will be a good investment over the life of this contract, but it's short money for a productive player who will contribute to a very good Richmond club this season.

Dave King (30) CF, Colorado Springs: 2 years, $11.6 million (mutual option for year 6)
An excellent defensive centerfielder, King is coming off a disappoint year 3 campaign, where he posted a meager .647 OPS. Still, King contributed 41 stolen bases (at over a 95% success rate) with an .287/.350/.461 line only a year earlier, so he was definitely an attractive free agent commodity. A minimal investment in both years and dollars, King could prove to be one of the best bargains of the off-season.