Fear not, baseball general managers. There’s still time to fix the gaping holes in your roster. The big fish remains first baseman Prince Fielder, who may or may not be drawing serious interest from the Nationals depending on who is talking. He and agent Scott Boras are still waiting to be blown away by an offer. But if your team tosses its line in shallower, less expensive waters, there are bargains to be had.
Right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson is durable — four straight years with at least 183 innings — and has a reasonable shot at a sub-4.00 ERA. He’s also a walk machine, but he could be a solid mid-rotation addition. Hiroki Kuroda (3.07 ERA in 2011) is another righty looking for a new home as the Dodgers sort out their ownership situation.
Meanwhile, Carlos Pena always seems to make these lists as a short-term rental at first base. He did so nicely for the Cubs last season with 28 home runs.
And reliever Ryan Madson, so close to a megadeal with the Phillies in November, has seen the market evaporate. Need a closer? Call Madson’s agent — Boras.
– Brian McNally
