Jessica Fletcher - Contributing Reporter
With 12 games remaining in Season 48, let's take a look at guaranteed money beyond this year. Highlighted are the teams currently in first place; Montreal, Dover, New York, and Jackson have secured their division and likely resting some of their big names for the playoff run.
We've only had 5 in-seasons extension deals worked out so far this season, but we'll see if a few of those possible free agents end up working a deal with the home team.
The league has just recovered from a bit of a draft drought, but are we entering a free agency drought soon? Here is a look at a few of the current top names if nothing changes (all analysis as of this writing - cannot be held accountable for aging until the fountain of youth is found).
- Yoenis Portillo (LF, 35) - Has played his entire career in Buffalo but with Tarraga's contract and Portillo's age, he'll hit free agency and have to find a home else where. All said, with 12 games left, he still has a chance to hit above .300 for the 13th time in his career but when will father time catch up?
- Andres Estrada (1B, 33) - His 2/13.6 prior to season 47 has sure paid off for Estrada, winning it all his first season with the team and second of his career. His ratings haven't taken much of a hit this year but he's hitting .269 with only 18 hr this season. Then again, hitting in Oklahoma City isn't the easiest thing to do. With an above average glove, surely another team will offer him a couple of years.
- Jimmie Tapia (3B, 32) - Consistent is what Tapia is. Finishes another season with at least a .260 average, 17 HR, and 25 SBs. Should be able to land another couple of years on the free agent market, if Boston let's him walk. He's yet another player on our list that has only played for one team his entire career.
- Chuk Takada (LF, 31) - Big year (or is it?) for players who have only played for one team, Takada will be in the boat if klown doesn't lock him up. His last 2/4.4M deal seems like a steal, even while hitting ~15HR with a .285 average. He might not be at the top of the lineup, but still a quality bat to have in the bottom of the lineup. And with the way he limits strikeouts, he shouldn't hurt the team too bad.
- Eduardo Ambriz (1B, 30) - The youngest of our bats, and he has held up well this season. He may have struggled last season, but his current 33 HR, 107 RBI, 30 2Bs, 18 SBs, and .279 average show he still has a good bit left in the tank. You'll have to wonder if his new team moves him back to 2B, even with a slightly below average arm strength for the position. That might add a little extra value to his next contract.
- Sergei Griggs (SP, 30) - One of Colorado Springs' front line starters could see the open market. Mid 3s ERA with more than twice as many Ks and walks. At only 30, he should have at least one more big paydown left in him. But who will it be?
- Doc Cortes (SP, 29) - Our youngest of the pitchers and primed for a big payday after being traded to the Washington DC Nationals from Ottawa earlier this season. He'll continue to limit free passes while missing quite a few bats. His career 104-69 with a 3.03 ERA in 1653 innings should peek the interest of numerous owners and GMs.
- Ron Steenstra (RP, 30) - Likely our top reliever for those looking for bullpen help. He has closed out 43 of 49 for NL East division leader Columbus. If they hold off Buffalo, he'll be a big reason why. All thanks to a deal with Atlanta earlier this season. In comparison, Julian Clay who mike traded to ekoon has a 5.84 ERA this season down in New Orleans. Of course, Mike also go Alfonso James and Ernest Paulson (before trading him & salary relief back to Atlanta for Al Cubillan)