Where in the World is Chad Cordero?

Despite the fan love, HSB has never hidden its mistrust of Chad Cordero, The Chief. As soon as he would start throwing in the bullpen, we felt like the game was in jeopardy.

Sure, he saved 113 games for the Nationals in three years in Washington, but he also led the majors with 20 blown saves and had some of the hardest hit balls in the game hit against him.

Who in attendance could forget the back-to-back homers against the Joneses of Atlanta in 2005? I remember those as if I had hit them myself.

Now, after hurting himself and having season-ending surgery, the $6 million man finds himself looking for work.

And while I have no desire to see him in Washington - except pitching for a visiting team - Cordero is getting looks from some clubs, namely from the Twins, Royals, Rangers (the place for Nationals castoffs), Indians, and of course the Nationals (NOOOOOOO!!!!).

Here's HSB's interview with Cordero's agent - as we imagined it - based off the agent's actual comments. (Thanks to Nationals Journal):

HSB: Hi.

CORDERO'S AGENT: "We feel like there's going to be a pretty good closer coming on the [free agent] market here shortly."

HSB: Who? You're guy?? Cordero? I doubt it.

AGENT: He "threw about 40 pitches at '70- to 75-percent' effort."

HSB: So what does that mean? He threw the ball 50 feet at 65 mph??

AGENT: "This isn't about trying to go out there and throw 90 miles an hour and impress everyone."

HSB: Huh? When did he throw 90 mph? Chipper Jones remembers him grooving a few at 87. And who is this "everyone" you're talking about? The Nationals?

AGENT: "They've been showing up."

HSB: Dammit. Really? Anyone else?

AGENT: "A couple of teams are getting antsy and talking about signing him right now."

HSB: What are you waiting for?

AGENT: "We think it's better to get him closer to full strength first."

HSB: Wow, that's just silly. Have you ever seen Cordero pitch? Take what you can get.

AGENT: "The one consensus we got from [scouts at Wednesday's throwing session] is he's certainly not hurt. He's throwing free and easy, and now just a matter of getting in shape, getting stronger."

HSB: Ok, good luck with that. Jose Rijo hasn't been around here, has he? I hope you haven't been talking to him. Remember, he no longer works for the Nationals - so just because he offered Chad a phat contract doesn't mean that Mr. Kasten is going to let that happen. Just so you know...ok?

Carlos Daniel Alvarez Lugo Esmailyn González is sorry...

Carlos Daniel Alvarez Lugo Esmailyn González is sorry and he feels " bad, really bad."

Really bad with his "homes" (yes that's plural) including one that's "encased by fences, guarding the parking spaces for his white Cadillac Escalade and red Honda Accord."

He says he and his cousin came up with the scheme, following the lead of MLB players like Miguel Tejada and pitcher Mario Soto.

And as far as he knows (or says) neither Rijo nor Bowden got any of his bonus money.

Here's the WashPo story.

Nationals lose their pre-season opener and fire Rijo

I was in an all day meeting so I missed everything.

So here's the news...

1. Nationals lose.
2. Rijo got fired.
3. Kasten may be considering LaCava.
4. The Lerners may not be on board.

The first day of the rest of our lives...

Or at least the 2009 baseball season.

Let's go Nats!
Let's go Nats!
Let's go Nats!

Dead Man Walking...

A double whammy from the Washington Times with Tom Knott calling for Bowden's ouster and Loverro's note about the job fair the Maryland Blue Crabs are holding.

In his defense, Bowden said, "I'm innocent of any wrongdoing...Aside from that, no comment."

The Bleacher Report asks: Does Bowden have to be guilty to be fired?

P.S. - We still hate Manny...

I'm afraid that in all this hubbub over Jim Bowden, people have forgotten that HSB hates Manny Acta.

This is just a note to remind our readers that we are still, very much, anti-Acta.

Spring Training Soft Drinks...

For those of you who make your decisions about where to go for Spring Training based on what soft drinks they offer, Sip & Savor has done the hard work for you and listed who serves what.

The Nationals home, Space Coast Stadium, serves Pepsi products.

Bowden Death Watch....

There's Tom Boswell, Chico, Ladson, and the WashTimes.

Bowden says he's not guilty...

Nationals GM Jim Bowden said he's not guilty of skimming players' bonuses...just gross incompetence.

UPDATE: Here is what Kasten was saying, as seen at Fire Jim Bowden.

Odalis Perez is released...

This whole thing is a bit messed.

Perez was given the chance to make the team - signed a contract - then decided he didn't like that plan.

So the Nationals released him.

I think this makes him a bitch.

Here are his stats.

The feds are closing in on their man...

This guy...


















It's not just the Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo debacle, the FBI is looking back to Bowden's dealings with Latin American players from as far back as 1994. The thought that he may have been part of a scheme that skimmed player bonuses.

The chorus grows...

Jim Bowden must go.

The latest twist in Gonzalez/Lugo/Rijo/Bowden Dominican Saga...

Jose Rijo, a special assistant to Jim Bowden and the Nationals scout assigned with player recruitment and development in the Dominican Republic, has left Viera and "has taken a leave of absence" from the team.

He's still getting paid, but he'll be heading back to the DR.

Curious if Rijo did anything wrong, or if Bowden did. According to Rijo, "Everybody else will find out about the truth in time."

On another note, his mother is ill and has just months to live.

Red Sox Nation Visits the Nation's Capital

Get ready for a lot of this in June...



















The Nationals have announced their random ticket drawing for their series against the Red Sox.

You register.

Then there's there's the drawing.

You probably won't get any tickets.

You go to StubHub (where tickets are already on sale June 23, June 24, June 25).

Here's the schedule:

RED SOX SERIES REGISTRATION PERIOD BEGINS:	5:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 18, 2009
RED SOX SERIES REGISTRATION PERIOD ENDS:	11:59 p.m. ET, Friday, March 20, 2009
RED SOX SERIES RANDOM DRAWING:	on or about Wednesday, March 25, 2009
RED SOX SERIES WINNERS NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL BY:	Tuesday, March 31, 2009
RED SOX SERIES SALE FOR WINNERS:	Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Is Bowden's Job (finally) in Jeopardy?

Maybe I'm just hearing what I want to hear...but could it be that Stan Kasten has had it with Bowden?

From the WashTimes:

That would be Bowden.

Kasten was asked specifically if those who were in charge of the team when the present ownership took over were responsible for this mess.

"For today, there is nothing more I can say about that kind of stuff," he said. "I have an idea where you are going. I am just not ready to talk about that just yet. There is an ongoing investigation continuing, and I really need for that to play out first."

Nationals Future Star - Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo...

The Nationals farm system didn't get to be #29 by happenstance, they earned it. And they're working hard to keep their place by signing players like Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo.

Remember Lugo? The Nationals had great plans for him...

Such high hopes that they even offered him a huge signing bonus ($1.4 million) - twice as high as any other team would go.

But that's back when they thought Lugo was only 16 and when they thought his name was Esmailyn Gonzalez.

Now it turns out that Lugo is actually 23 - and all of a sudden - not such a hot prospect.

This isn't the first time folks have been asking questions about the Gonzalez, er...Lugo...signing. There are those who believe he is a pawn in a larger scheme where scouts, GMs, and handlers inflate players' abilities in order to justify larger signing bonuses to team owners, then everyone takes a cut of the bloated bonuses.

Here's the WaPo story on the age thing.

Remember when it came out that Tejada had lied about his age? But he only took two years off.

Nationals and Zimmerman getting close to a deal?

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman may be getting close to a long term deal.

The Face is scheduled to go into arbitration talks on Friday. Zimmerman wants $3.9 million for 2009, the club is offering $2.75 million.

HSB did an analysis of what American League and National League third basemen are earning and attempted to determine what Zimmerman's fair market might value might be.

It would be great if the deal got done.

Miggy didn't inhale...

Uh-huh...

According to AP, Miguel Tejada bought steroids, just didn't use them. But he saw someone else use them.

Tejada -- the 2002 American League MVP with the Oakland Athletics and a five-time All-Star shortstop now with the Houston Astros -- also acknowledged he bought HGH while playing for the A's, but said he threw the drugs away without using them. Prosecutors said they have no evidence to contradict that.

Nick Johnson wants to play everyday. We would've liked that too...

Nick Johnson is being all bravado saying he won't accept a bench role with the Nationals now that it appears Adam Dunn will be starting at first.

According to Johnson, "I would rather play every day, smell the grass and run around."

Well, if Nick playing every day was a viable option, we wouldn't be having this discussion. If he wasn't fragile and unable to recover from injuries (See: this and this) this wouldn't even be an issue.

If he didn't break over a check swing he'd be a bargain at $5.5 million a year.

Simply, since coming to Washington, an era that Johnson was slated to be the Nationals' "everyday first baseman" - he has missed 332 of 648 games.

It's time for a change. It's time for an everyday first baseman, who can play every day.

BREAKING NEWS: Adam Dunn is a National!!!

This is BREAKING NEWS: Dunn is a National.

Is he part of The Plan?

The Washington Post have a profile on the consensus #1 pick in the amateur draft - a pick that the Nationals currently have.

Stephen Strasburg would appear to fit into The Plan as described by the Nationals management. But Scott Boras is his agent. And he's going to be pricey.

Scott Olsen gets $2.8 million.

New Washington National Scott Olsen can finally put a bid in on that new condo he's been eying on Half Street.

He and the Nationals avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year $2.8 million. He wanted $3.5 million, the Nationals had offered $2.5 million.

Olsen made only $405,000 last season.

The Nationals - Just lazy enough

This can't be right.

I'm hoping it's just a mistake with the calendar function or maybe someone at Nationals.com made the first error of the season...if the Web team didn't make a mistake, then Manny Acta did.

With a 59-102 record and as the first team eliminated from the playoffs, one would think that the Nationals would want to be the first in camp.

But according to the countdown clocks on several MLB Web sites checked by Half Street Blues, the Nationals are going to work after most other clubs. Now I know that one or two days doesn't really make a difference, but it would be nice to see them at work a little early.

While the Nationals' pitchers and catchers report on Saturday, the Yankees and Cubs batteries will be at work on Friday, and Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Jason Varitek and their buddies will be in Ft. Lauderdale by Thursday.

There is one team that will be enjoying more time off than all the others - the Toronto Blue Jays. They don't have to be anywhere until next Monday, I guess that's an example of the Canadian work ethic.

A-Rod's a cheater...

A-Rod doesn't just cheat on his wife, he cheats in baseball. Well, at least, according to Sports Illustrated he did.

MLB.com summarizes.

Rodriguez's name appeared on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball's 2003 survey testing, SI said. He reportedly tested positive for testosterone and an anabolic steroid called Primobolan while playing for Texas.


P.S. A-Rod will make $32 million this year.

Shawn Hill wants a raise...

Shawn Hill was the first National to hit the arbitration panel. I kinda envision them all lining up, like waiting for the principal in elementary school.

The Nationals have offered him $500k last year. He would like $775k.

Last year Hill made $402,000, he went 1-5 with a 5.83 ERA in 12 starts in 2008. He spent time on the disabled list with a sore right elbow and had arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 5.

UPDATE: Hill wins. Players 1 Nationals 0

Odalis Perez stays a National...

In a clear sign of change in Nationals' way of doing business, Odalis Perez was re-signed...to a minor league contact. Some folks think that this was "collusion" presumably by MLB teams.

I just think it's because he's old and average.

And what does it matter?

I'm sure we'll see him every 5th day...

On a completely unrelated topic Hendo doesn't think the Nationals should bite on Abreu. As with Manny, we agree.

The Nationals Prom - May 2.

If you want to see Zim look like this:



















You had better plan to go to this:




The Nationals Dream Gala, to support the Dream Foundation, will be held at the modern day Atlantis in Maryland following an afternoon game against the Cardinals on May 2.









And if the picture of Zim isn't enough, I'll let ZZ Top tell you why you need to bring out the duds...

BREAKING: Bonds Lied.

I know how shocked you all must be, but court documents just unsealed seem to indicate that Barry wasn't exactly "truthful" when he said that he never knowingly used steroids.

According to the AP:

Court documents show Barry Bonds tested positive for three types of steroids, and his personal trainer once told his business manager in the San Francisco Giants' clubhouse how he injected the slugger with performance-enhancing drugs "all over the place."

Here is a picture of skinny Barry.

$100 will get you $15,000.

Thanks to Wrigleyville for pointing this out...

While the stock market may be in the tank, you True Believers have a great investment opportunity at Sportsbook.com, where the Nationals are paying a cool 150 to 1 to win the World Series.

Of course the Yankees (and Mets) have the best odds of winning (or pay the least) coming in at 5 to 2. But that could be simply a numbers game - since more Yankee (and Met) fans will bet on their teams, because they're blinded by the devotion. Or, it could be that those teams are that much better than everyone else.

The Pirates and Padres pay out the most at 200/1 and the World Champion Phillies are 11/1 to repeat.

What is Ryan Worth? Finale...

This week we've taken a look at what teams are paying their third basemen in an attempt to ascertain some sort of fair market value for Ryan Zimmerman. Nationals fans are anxious to have him signed to a long-term deal and Jim Bowden, himself, said during NatsFest "I would be disappointed if his No. 11 doesn't get retired on the outfield wall [at Nationals Park] someday."














Zimmerman is going into arbitration this month and is asking for $3.9 million for this season, Washington countered with $2.75 million. Zimmerman made $465k last season, $400kin 2007, and $327k in 2006. He also got a nearly $3 million signing bonus.

In attempting to see who makes what, HSB took a look at third basemen in the American League and the National League. This exercise showed us that there is great disparity among players, I guess that's not surprising.

What was surprising is someone like Bill Hall - a very average ball player - will get almost $7 million for what could be part time work this season. And a bona fide superstar-in-waiting Evan Longoria will only make $550k en route to somewhere between $17 and $44 million over the next six years.

So what have we got?

A-Rod is going to make $32 million.
Adrian Beltre is going to make $12 million.
David Wright will bring home $7.5 million.
And a bunch of guys are going to earn between $400k and $600k.

Also of note, Guzman is getting $8 million. Kearns is going to make $8 million. And Dmitri and Nick Johnson will get $5 million each.

Zimmerman has been the face of the team since he arrived on the scene. He's a local Virginia boy that fans have adored since Day One. He's had more memorable moments in just three years than many players have in a career...Remember the walk-off homer against the Yankees? Or on July 4th? Or on Opening Day at Nationals Park?

Zimmerman is an above average fielder who has made some great defensive plays. No doubt he still needs to work on his consistency in the field and even he admits that he needs to work on his throws.

He's the face of the team and hope of the franchise.

And, based on our analysis, it's fair to consider his contract should be in close to that of Wright and Longoria. Maybe with some bonus money and big club option in the end.

So what's Ryan worth?

$70 million over 6 years (assuming he signs a deal during this season).

2010 - $6 million
2011 - $7.5 million
2012 - $9.5 million
2013 - $10. million
2014 - $10. million
2015 - $12. million
2016 - $15. million

Club Option 2017 - $17.5 million

Makes him one of the highest of his class. Gives him the opportunity to focus on the game. And shows the fans that the team is serious about building a winning organization.

Thoughts?

Manny not a Nat.

Good no-call Jim.

Be a President.

The Nationals are using CraigsList to find this year's Racing Presidents.

If you're between 5'7" and 6'6" in height
Can run from right field to home plate (approximately 200 yards)
And can wear a costume weighing approximately 45 lbs

You too can be a President.

P.S. We hate Abe.

What is Ryan Worth? Part 2...

Ryan Zimmerman is in arbitration and fans want to see him inked to a long term deal this season. Half Street Blues is taking a look at the market for third basemen and then we'll try to figure out what Ryan is worth.

After compiling the information for American League third basemen yesterday, today we'll take a look at what National League teams are paying.

And tomorrow we'll try to make some sense of it all.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones, 2009 - $10 million. Chipper is one of the premier players in the league. Going into his 16th season, he's already made more than $120 million in his career. For three years at RFK he feasted on Chad Cordero...I don't think I've seen any batter hit any pitcher harder than Chipper hit Chad. Jones led the league in 2008 batting .364 and broke 400 career home runs with 22 in 2008. Jones is hoping for a contract extension this season.

New York Mets: David Wright, 2009 - $7.5 million. Wright is in the middle of a 6-year, $55 million deal, with a $16 million club option in 2013. Like Zimmerman, Wright is a Virginia native and many Nationals fans and baseball analysts like to make comparisons between the two players. But, as of yet, Zimmerman hasn't come close to matching Wright's numbers. Wright is a career .309 hitter and averages more than 30HRs and 100 RBIs a season. Very impressive.

Philadelphia Phillies: Pedro Feliz, 2009 - $5 million. The World Champions' third baseman had surgery on his lower back in November and is expected to be ready by Opening Day. He's an average ballplayer. Hits about .250, gets 15 HRs and 60 RBIs a year.

Florida Marlins: Dallas McPherson, 2009 - $500k. The Marlins will give McPherson a look at third this year. He comes off an impressive AAA campaign with 42 HRs and 98 RBI. He's out of minor league options and will be battling for his job with former National Emilio Bonifacio, who went to Florida in a trade for Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham.

Milwaukee Brewers: Bill Hall, 2009 - $6.8 million. Going into his 7th season, Hall seems to have figured it out...he's in the middle of a 4-year, $24 million contract and he may only play part time splitting time with Mike Lamb. Hall is a .258 career hitter and averages 15 HRs a year. Clearly, his agent, Terry Bross, earns his money.

Chicago Cubs:Aramis Ramirez, 2009 - $15.65 million. Ramirez signed a 5 year, $75 million deal going into the 2007 season and has provided steady play for the fans in Wrigleyville throughout his career. In 2008 he had 27 HRs and 111 RBIs and hit .289.

Cincinnati Reds: Edwin Encarnacion, 2009 - heading to arbitration asking $3.7 million while the club offered $2.55 million. Encarnacion has very similar stats to Zimmerman. The 26 year old hit .251 with 26 HRs and 68 RBIs last year.

Houston Astros: Geoff Blum, 2009 - $1.1 million. Never heard of this guy. But apparently, he's going to be the starter for George H. W. Bush's Houston Astros. Last season's starter Ty Wigginton was non-tendered and has yet to sign as a free agent. Back to Blum, he's starting his 10th season in the league and hit .240 last year with 14 HRs, 53 RBIs in 114 games.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Andy LaRoche, 2009 - $400k. Andy LaRoche, not to be confused with Adam LaRoche (who will earn $7 million this year with the Pirates and will probably be traded, because that's how the Pirates roll). Anyway ANDY LaRoche fits in nicely with the Pirates' plan, which seems similar to the Nationals' plan. LaRoche will begin his 2nd full season with the Pirates. He had 5 HRs and 18 RBIs in 76 games in 2008.

St. Louis Cardinals: Troy Glaus, 2009 - $11.25 million. Glaus brings some power to the Card's line-up, but he will be out for at least three months as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. In the meantime, Brian Barden, is expected to start. Glaus has averaged 30 HRs and 90 RBIs during his 10 year career.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Casey Blake, 2009 - $5 million. Blake re-signed with a 3-year deal worth $17.5 million. He's a decent hitter and reliable day-to-day ball player. Last year he played in 152 games, hitting .274 with 21 HRs and 81 RBIs.

San Diego Padres: Kevin Kouzmanoff , 2008 - $410k. Third-year man Kevin Kouzmanoff just started throwing two weeks ago after having shoulder surgery in Nov. If he's able to start the season, he may be able to build off a decent year in which he played in all but 6 games and hit .260 with 23 HRs and 84 RBIs. He's still young and has considerable potential.

San Francisco Giants: Pablo Sandoval, 2009 - TBD. Another guy I've never heard of is now at the top of the depth chart for the Giants. There is still talk that they may be trying to sign former White Sox player Joe Crede. But if Sandoval does get the job, it will be his first full season with the team and many questions remain. He played in only 41 games last season with only 145 ABs.

Colorado Rockies: Garrett Atkins, 2008 - $4.3 million. Atkins is also in arbitration looking for a 40 percent raise. But even if he gets the Rockies counter-offer of $6.65 million he'll be okay. “Either way, it’s going to be a lot of money and I will be happy," he said. Atkins had good numbers last season with 21 HRs and 99 RBIs. He is a consistent hitter and fielder and, like Zimmerman, he should have several good years ahead of him.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Mark Reynolds, 2008 - $400k. Along with Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds is a UVA alum. In his rookie year he set a new record with 204 strikeouts. Beyond that he hit .239 with28 HRs and 97 RBIs. It reminds me of a comment a former Washignton, DC, mayor once said: "Except for the murders, it's a very safe city."

What is Ryan Worth? Part 1...

Since he came on the scene, Ryan Zimmerman has been a fan favorite and face of the franchise. Now he's on his way to arbitration and fans are clamoring for management to sign him a long-term deal.

He is scheduled to go in for an arbitration hearing this month. The panel will determine if he'll earn $3.9 million (what he wants) or $2.75 million (what the team wants to give him) for 2009.

In an exclusive examination of the the players going in to Spring Training as the expected starters at the Hot Corner around the league, Half Street Blues will try to determine...what is Ryan worth?

Today, we take a look at the American League.


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Baltimore Orioles: Melvin Mora, 2009 - $9 million. Mora, 36, is entering his 10th season in the bigs. A career .280 hitte, he's coming off a decent season with 23 HRs and 104 RBIs. Mora broke out in 2003 and was rewarded with a 3-year,$10.5 million deal and signed on for another three years in '07 lasting through next season for $25 million. He's a decent fielder and solid contributor to the organization. And has a lot of kids.

Boston Red Sox: Mike Lowell, 2009 - $12.5 million. This 34 year-old is expected to be game-ready by the time the Red Sox open their season. Although he was drafted in the 20th Round in 1995, he's made quite a life for himself in baseball. He's another decent hitter who averages about 20 HRs and 80 RBIs. He's a fan favorite among Red Sox Nation. He had hip surgery in the off-season and has just begun hitting off a tee as part of his rehab. He's aging and may be retiring within the next couple of years. Youngster Jed Lowrie may get some more attention soon.

New York Yankees: Alex Rodriguez, 2009 - $32 million (plus crazy bonus money). A perennial all-star and three time MVP, this 33-year old is still one of the best players in baseball. He had 35 HRs and 103 RBIs and batted .302 last season. He is scheduled to make $27 million in each of the next two seasons.

Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria, 2009 - $550,000. One of the rising stars of pro ball, Longoria, 23, signed a 6-year, $17.5 million deal last season that could grow to $44 million over 9-seasons. In his rookie season, he batted .272 in 122 games with the Devil Rays and hit 27 HRs and 85 RBIs. His contract is weighted heavily towards the end of his deal. Interesting scaling that ensures Longoria a long-term deal and "set" him for life, without breaking the bank.

Toronto Blue Jays: Scott Rolen, 2009 - $11.6 million. The seven-time Gold Glover had an somewhat disappointing season last year due to injury. He averages about 20 HRs with 90 RBIs and about a .280 batting average.

Chicago White Sox: Josh Fields, 2009 - TBD . The reigning AL Central League champions are going to try youngster Josh Fields at third after not re-signing Joe Crede. Fields only appeared in 12 games last season and could be challenged by 19-year-old Dayan Viciedo.

Cleveland Indians: Jhonny Peralta, 2009 - $3.4 million. Peralta has surprisingly similar statistics to the Nationals' Zimmerman. Going into his sixth season, he had 23 HRs and 89 RBIs in 2008 and a career .270 hitter.

Detroit Tigers: Brandon Inge, 2009 - $6.3 million. Inge was a key component of the Tiger team who, although they had a team salary in excess of $100 million, have been a topline talking point for Stan Kasten by finishing in last place in the Central Division. Inge is highly paid, very avererage ball player. Through seven seasons, Inge is a .237 hitter and last year only mustered just 11 HRs and 51 RBIs.

Kansas City Royals: Alex Gordon, 2008 - $400,000. Gordon is slated to go into his second seasons of being the Royals third baseman. Last year he had 16 HRs, 59 RBIs and hit .260.

Minnesota Twins: Brian Buscher, 2009 - $450,000. Buscher hit .290 in 70 games and 218 ABs last season with the Twins. It appears as though the Twins are going to give him a shot at the starting job.

Los Angeles Angels: Chone Figgins, 2009 - $5.8 million. Figgins has been solid player at the hot corner for the Angels. He's not a power hitter, but does hit for average and is among the league leaders in stolen bases. Interestingly about Figgins is his salary history - in 2004 he made $320k; 2005 - $390k; but then got a boost in 2006 to $2.25 million. And now, he's in the money.

Oakland Athletics: Eric Chavez, 2009 - $11 million. Six time Gold Glove winner, Eric Chavez is expected to be healthy enough to join the A's at Spring Training. When healthy, Chavez averages about 20 HRs a year with 80 RBIs.

Seattle Mariners: Adrian Beltre, 2009 - $12 million. Gold Glove winner for the past two seasons, Beltre will be starting his 11th season. He averages about 25 HRs and 80 RBIs a year.

Texas Rangers: Travis Metcalf, 2008 - $400k. 26-year old Metcalf is slated to start the season at 3B for the Rangers. However, according to some he's not the answer for the long-term in Arlington and may not even make it out of Spring Training.