With spring training starting to get underway, MLB teams will be closely examining their rosters to see who can make the biggest impact. However, there are still a number of players that remain free agents looking to make a difference for any of the 30 teams.
Names like Michael Bourn and Scott Hairston are now off the board. So who are some of the best players still available? Let's take a look.
Kyle Lohse
For teams looking for another good starting pitcher for their rotations, then they should look no further than Kyle Lohse. The former St. Louis Cardinal has enjoyed two straight solid seasons, including a fantastic 2012 that saw him go 16-3 with a sub-3.00 ERA.
Lohse may not have overpowering stuff, but his last couple of years in St. Louis showed him to be a reliable source of good, consistent pitching. He gave up more than three runs just four times last year, and sported a 3.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His sinker has helped him keep balls in the yard as well.
Lohse may not be an elite starting pitcher, but he is one that definitely deserves to be in someone's rotation in 2013.
Freddy Sanchez
A reliable position player still sits in free agency as well. Veteran second baseman Freddy Sanchez did not play in 2012 due to injury, but is seemingly back to full health and could be a valuable asset to many teams.
A former batting champ, Sanchez has always been a solid contact hitter. While me may not provide much power, his low strikeout rate is certainly appealing. He can also provide veteran leadership where it's needed, for example, in places like Miami or Kansas City.
Brian Wilson
Yes, that Brian Wilson. The eccentric closer (and his beard) was non-tendered in the offseason, with the San Francisco Giants set to make Sergio Romo their full-time closer. Wilson missed most of 2012 after Tommy John surgery.
Returning from this surgery is always tricky to project, but Wilson's history points to a guy who can make a big impact wherever he lands. He has the stuff, the confidence and the facial hair. All he needs is a jersey to put on.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments