This winter?s free agent class could be the most late-developing edition in baseball history.
With the impending release of investigator George Mitchell?s steroid report, and the likelihood that Alex Rodriguez?s contract could shake the baseball salary world, some big-time stars might be without a contract into the start of 2008.
The open season on free agency began Tuesday, but look for this offseason to be trade-heavy, especially in Baltimore.
“It?s not a deep class. I think we can all agree on that,” Orioles president Andy MacPhail said. “I would not want to predict whether some of these guys move off the board quickly or not.”
The Orioles unlikely are to bid on any of the game?s biggest available stars, including Rodriguez, who is seeking about $30 million a year. Instead, the Orioles will look to improve their team by making trades in an attempt to get rid of underachieving players with hefty contracts for younger ones who make less money.
The Orioles would be willing to trade shortstop Miguel Tejada. But with Rodriguez and Mike Lowell free agents, and the Marlins looking to trade third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Tejada might be the fourth option for teams in need of a left-side infielder.
The Orioles most noteworthy free agent is center fielder Corey Patterson, 28, who batted .269 with 8 homers, 45 RBIs and 37 stolen bases. He earned about $4 million last season and is likely to see a small increase in salary for next season. However, don?t expect Orioles? free agents Paul Bako, a catcher, and right-handed pitchers Kris Benson and Jaret Wright to return to Baltimore next season.
