A comprehensive list of free agent signings in the offseason can be found here.
The Cubs and Mets have been most active thus far, but will they improve? The Mets big landing is 40-year old Moises Alou, and the Cubs landed Alfonso Soriano for 8 years and the hefty price tag of $136 million. Whatever offense the Mets pick up in Alou and Damion Easley could be erased by pitching concerns, as Tom Glavine is on the brink of departing and nobody knows how healthy Pedro Martinez will be. As for the Cubs, Soriano is quite a player, but there are major questions as to his suitability for hitting leadoff.
The Astros also made a big play in acquiring Carlos Lee. For $100 million, perhaps he's not worth it, but short term at least, this is a good move. Of course, if Clemens and Pettitte don't come back, this and any other moves Houston makes could be for naught.
The Dodgers have also made a couple moves, welcoming Juan Pierre and Randy Wolf to the ballclub. Again, no matter how good the players might be, money is a big issue, and they probably got too much of it. Signing Wolf to a one-year deal isn't much of a risk. But giving Pierre a five-year deal, let alone for $8.8 million a year, is going overboard.
American League teams have been pretty quiet. The biggest addition is Frank Thomas to the Blue Jays ($9 million per year), but despite Thomas's 2006 campaign, questions linger as to how much longer he can be effective.
The Orioles are going crazy for bullpen help, picking up Danys Baez, Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker, and Scott Williamson. All these guys have shown ability to play in the past, but one gets the feeling that Mazzone will still have to work on this staff a bit.
The Angels picked up Gary Matthews, Jr. for $50 million because of a career year. This is the case of an overpaid player that sticks out most as a thorn. Matthews' career has not been one you reward with $10 million per season.
A final newcomer is Frank Catalanotto to Texas, for relatively cheap. For Texas nothing's a risk since the mammoth A-Rod deal.
It is the season of giving, but this time of year in baseball almost always results in a lot of giving to players.
Best Signing: Almost no risk picking up Randy Wolf to a one-year contract, and he could provide LA with a good season.
Worst Signing: Gary Matthews Jr.
Next Wednesday: Additional signings; players yet to be signed
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