Top 50 free agents

Originally Published: November 10, 2003
ESPN.com

Player 2003 stats Prediction/comment

1. Vladimir
Guerrero 		Age: 27
HR: 25
RBI: 79
AVG: .330
OPS: 1.012
'03 salary: $11.5M 		Prediction: Orioles.
Comment: Hit .300 or better in all seven of his seasons with Montreal. Is also coming off his best year in regards to OBP (.426).
Signed with: Angels.

2. Bartolo
Colon 		Age: 30
IP: 242.0
W-L: 15-13
ERA: 3.87
BB/SO: 67/173
'03 salary: $8.25M 		Prediction: Yankees.
Comment: Had a career high in innings pitched and complete games (nine), but also allowed career-highs in hits (223) and home runs (30).
Signed with: Angels.

3. Miguel
Tejada 		Age: 27
HR: 27
RBI: 106
AVG: .278
OPS: .807
'03 salary: $5.13M 		Prediction: Dodgers.
Comment: His production in 2003 didn't quite match his MVP season from '02, but he did go over the 100-RBI plateau for the fourth straight year.
Signed with: Orioles.

4. Gary
Sheffield 		Age: 34
HR: 39
RBI: 132
AVG: .330
OPS: 1.023
'03 salary: $11M 		Prediction: Yankees.
Comment: Had his best offensive season in '03, including having a career-best 190 hits and 126 runs scored. Was fifth in NL with a .604 SLG.
Signed with: Yankees.

5. Ivan
Rodriguez 		Age: 31
HR: 16
RBI: 85
AVG: .297
OPS: .843
'03 salary: $9.3M 		Prediction: Cubs.
Comment: Compiled modest numbers during the regular season, but really shined once the postseason arrived. Batted .313 in the playoffs.
Signed with: Tigers.

6. Kevin
Millwood 		Age: 28
IP: 222.0
W-L: 14-12
ERA: 4.01
BB/SO: 68/169
'03 salary: $9.9M 		Prediction: Red Sox.
Comment: Had a very good first half in '03, going 10-6 with a 3.60 ERA. He faltered in the second half, however, as he went just 4-6 with 4.58 ERA.
Signed with: Phillies.

7. Keith
Foulke 		Age: 31
IP: 86.2
SV: 43
ERA: 2.08
BB/SO: 20/88
'03 salary: $6M 		Prediction: Braves.
Comment: Topped the American League in saves, including going 19-for-20 in save opportunities in the second half. Held hitters to a .184 BAA.
Signed with: Red Sox.

8. Andy
Pettitte 		Age: 31
IP: 208.1
W-L: 21-8
ERA: 4.02
BB/SO: 50/180
'03 salary: $11.5M 		Prediction: Astros.
Comment: Won at least 20 games for the second time in his career (he also won 21 in 1996). Went 3-1 with a 2.10 ERA in five postseason starts.
Signed with: Astros.

9. Kazuo
Matsui 		Age: 28
HR: 33
RBI: 84
AVG: .305
OPS: .917
* Played in
Japanese League 		Prediction: Angels.
Comment: The switch-hitting shortstop has hit .300 or better for seven straight seasons in Japan. He also topped 30 homers for the second consecutive year.
Signed with: Mets.

10. Javy
Lopez 		Age: 33
HR: 43
RBI: 109
AVG: .328
OPS: 1.065
'03 salary: $7M 		Prediction: Dodgers.
Comment: Had a career year in establishing career highs in all major offensive categories. Has stated he no longer wants to catch on an everyday basis.
Signed with: Orioles.

11. Greg
Maddux 		Age: 37
IP: 218.1
W-L: 16-11
ERA: 3.96
BB/SO: 33/124
'03 salary: $14.8M 		Prediction: Cardinals.
Comment: Has won 15 or more games for 16 straight seasons, an all-time record. His 3.96 ERA, however, was his highest since 1987.
Signed with: Cubs.

12. Shannon
Stewart 		Age: 29
HR: 13
RBI: 73
AVG: .307
OPS: .823
'03 salary: $6.2M 		Prediction: Twins.
Comment: Sparked Minnesota after a midseason trade from Toronto as he batted .322 with a .384 OBP in 65 games. The top leadoff hitter on the market.
Signed with: Twins.

13. Rafael
Palmeiro 		Age: 39
HR: 38
RBI: 112
AVG: .260
OPS: .867
'03 salary: $9M 		Prediction: Angels.
Comment: Had 100 or more RBI for the ninth straight season, and sits 13th on the all-time home run list (528). His batting average, however, continues to steadily decline.
Signed with: Orioles.

14. Ugueth
Urbina 		Age: 29
IP: 77.0
SV: 32
ERA: 2.81
BB/SO: 31/78
'03 salary: $4.5M 		Prediction: Cubs.
Comment: Began the year as the Rangers' closer. Then became the Marlins' primary set-up man after a midseason trade. Assumed closer's role late in year.
Signed with: Tigers.

15. Sidney
Ponson 		Age: 27
IP: 216.0
W-L: 17-12
ERA: 3.75
BB/SO: 61/134
'03 salary: $4.25M 		Prediction: Orioles.
Comment: Turned down a long-term deal with Baltimore, which precipitated midseason trade to Giants. Won a career-high 17 games overall.
Signed with: Orioles.

16. Luis
Castillo 		Age: 28
HR: 6
RBI: 39
AVG: .314
OPS: .778
'03 salary: $4.85M 		Prediction: Red Sox
Comment: Won his first Gold Glove and was second in the NL among second baseman in fielding percentage (.986). Was also among NL's top 20 in OBP (.381).
Signed with: Marlins.

17. Eddie
Guardado 		Age: 33
IP: 65.1
SV: 41
ERA: 2.89
BB/SO: 14/60
'03 salary: $2.7M 		Prediction: Twins.
Comment: Was second to Keith Foulke in saves in the AL. Was especially productive in the second half as he was 21-for-23 in save chances and compiled a 1.84 ERA.
Signed with: Mariners.

18. Mike
Cameron 		Age: 30
HR: 18
RBI: 76
AVG: .253
OPS: .774
'03 salary: $7.4M 		Prediction: Mets.
Comment: Won his second Gold Glove, and is considered among the best center fielders in the game. Is strikeout-prone, though, as evidenced by his 137 K's.
Signed with: Mets.

19. Tim
Worrell 		Age: 36
IP: 78.1
SV: 38
ERA: 2.87
BB/SO: 28/65
'03 salary: $2M 		Prediction: Blue Jays.
Comment: Was a closer for the first time in his career in place of the injured Robb Nen. Fell off a bit in the second half as his ERA rose to 3.98.
Signed with: Phillies.

20. Kelvim
Escobar 		Age: 27
IP: 180.1
W-L: 13-9
ERA: 4.29
BB/SO: 78/159
'03 salary: $3.9M 		Prediction: Rangers.
Comment: Was moved to the starting rotation in May and went 12-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 26 starts. Was far better on road (2.76 ERA) than at home (5.65 ERA).
Signed with: Angels.

21. LaTroy
Hawkins 		Age: 30
IP: 77.1
W-L: 9-3
ERA: 1.86
BB/SO: 15/75
'03 salary: $3M 		Prediction: Yankees.
Comment: Excelled as the primary set-up man for Twins closer Eddie Guardado. Could perhaps slot in as a closer on a number of different teams.
Signed with: Cubs.

22. Shigetoshi
Hasegawa 		Age: 35
IP: 73.0
SV: 16
ERA: 1.48
BB/SO: 18/32
'03 salary: $1.8M 		Prediction: Mariners.
Comment: Took over as Seattle's closer in mid-June and converted his first 14 save chances. Not a hard thrower and makes batters put the ball in play.
Signed with: Mariners.

23. Rich
Aurilia 		Age: 32
HR: 13
RBI: 58
AVG: .277
OPS: .735
'03 salary: $6.25M 		Prediction: Giants.
Comment: After having a career year in 2001, has had a significant dropoff in each of the past two seasons. Is among the short list of available shortstops.
Signed with: Mariners.

24. Raul
Ibanez 		Age: 31
HR: 18
RBI: 90
AVG: .294
OPS: .799
'03 salary: $3M 		Prediction: A's.
Comment: Reached career highs in hits (179) and runs scored (95). Also, knocked in at least 90 runs for the second straight season.
Signed with: Mariners.

25. Juan
Gonzalez 		Age: 34
HR: 24
RBI: 70
AVG: .294
OPS: .901
'03 salary: $13M 		Prediction: Expos.
Comment: Suffered through a second consecutive injury-plagued season. When healthy, has shown he can be productive. Will likely get an incentive-laden deal.
Signed with: Royals.

26. Miguel
Batista 		Age: 32
IP: 193.1
W-L: 10-9
ERA: 3.54
BB/SO: 60/142
'03 salary: $3.4M 		Prediction: Cardinals.
Comment: Was better than his near .500 record would indicate. Only reason D-Backs allowed him to become a free agent is because they're strapped for cash.
Signed with: Blue Jays.

27. Tom
Gordon 		Age: 35
IP: 74.0
SV: 12
ERA: 3.16
BB/SO: 31/91
'03 salary: $1.4M 		Prediction: A's.
Comment: Hasn't been a full-time closer since 1998 due in large part because of arm woes. Is coming off an effective year with the White Sox. Could be a real sleeper.
Signed with: Yankees.

28. Maels
Rodriguez 		Age: 24
IP: 113.0
W-L: 8-3
ERA: 3.11
* Played in
Cuban League 		Prediction: Devil Rays.
Comment: Cuban flamethrower has defected and will likely be declared a free agent sometime this offseason. Reports are he's topped 100 mph on the gun.

29. Carl
Everett 		Age: 32
HR: 28
RBI: 92
AVG: .287
OPS: .876
'03 salary: $9.15M 		Prediction: Rockies.
Comment: After two straight injury-plagued and subpar seasons, he turned it around by having a productive year. Will likely only get a one-year deal.
Signed with: Expos.

30. Todd
Walker 		Age: 30
HR: 13
RBI: 85
AVG: .283
OPS: .760
'03 salary: $3.45M 		Prediction: Padres.
Comment: Was decent during the regular season, but really stood out in the playoffs as he hit .349 with five HRs in 12 games. Is a liability defensively.
Signed with: Cubs.

31. Jose
Cruz, Jr. 		Age: 29
HR: 20
RBI: 68
AVG: .250
OPS: .779
'03 salary: $2M 		Prediction: Pirates.
Comment: Won his first Gold Glove, but will be remembered for dropping a critical flyball in the Division Series vs. the Marlins. Had a career high .366 OBP.
Signed with: Devil Rays.

32. Raul
Mondesi 		Age: 32
HR: 24
RBI: 71
AVG: .272
OPS: .827
'03 salary: $13M 		Prediction: Giants.
Comment: Split the season between the Yankees and D-Backs. Hit for a far better average with Arizona (.302) than New York (.258). Still has the best outfield arm in the game.
Signed with: Pirates.

33. Rod
Beck 		Age: 35
IP: 35.1
SV: 20
ERA: 1.78
BB/SO: 11/32 		Prediction: Mets.
Comment: Was acquired by the Padres in early June and went on to go 20-for-20 in save chances. Held hitters to a measly .197 batting average.
Signed with: Padres.

34. Reggie
Sanders 		Age: 35
HR: 31
RBI: 87
AVG: .285
OPS: .914
'03 salary: $1M 		Prediction: Royals.
Comment: An attractive, low-cost option for the Royals to keep them in contention. Even more valuable if they decide to trade Carlos Beltran.
Signed with: Cardinals.

35. Wilson
Alvarez 		Age: 33
IP: 95.0
W-L: 6-2
ERA: 2.37
BB/SO: 23/82
 Prediction: Dodgers.
Comment: Went 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA in the second half, finishing the season in the Dodgers' rotation. One NL GM said Wilson's stuff was among the best in the NL.
Signed with: Dodgers.

36. Fernando
Vina 		Age: 34
HR: 4
RBI: 23
AVG: .251
OPS: .691
'03 salary: $5.3M 		Prediction: White Sox.
Comment: Can still lead off, although Vina has two major red flags working against him: a troublesome hamstring and a .309 on-base percentage.
Signed with: Tigers.

37. David
Wells 		Age: 40
IP: 213.0
W-L: 15-7
ERA: 4.14
BB/SO: 20/101
'03 salary: $3.25M 		Prediction: Yankees.
Comment: Sure Wells let the Yankees down in Game 5 of the World Series, but George Steinbrenner isn't about to allow Jeff Weaver a spot in the Yanks' rotation.
Signed with: Padres.

38. Jose
Guillen 		Age: 27
HR: 31
RBI: 86
AVG: .311
OPS: .928
'03 salary: $500,000 		Prediction: Braves.
Comment: Coming off a career year, many wonder if Guillen can repeat his 2003 offensive output. Guillen played hurt last season and remains an elite player defensively.
Signed with: Angels.

39. Curt
Leskanic 		Age: 35
IP: 52.2
SV: 2
ERA: 2.22
BB/SO: 29/50
'03 salary: $3.7M 		Prediction: Cubs.
Comment: Finally free of shoulder trouble, Leskanic showed the ability and stuff to close last season. Ideal fit for the Cubs, who are looking for bullpen depth and insurance for Joe Borowski.
Signed with: Royals.

40. Kenny
Lofton 		Age: 36
HR: 12
RBI: 46
AVG: .296
OPS: .801
'03 salary: $1.02M 		Prediction: Cubs.
Comment: Hit .327 in 56 games for the Cubs. Obviously likes playing for Dusty Baker. Look for Lofton to hold down center until Corey Patterson is completely healthy.
Signed with: Yankees.

41. Joe
Randa 		Age: 33
HR: 16
RBI: 72
AVG: .291
OPS: .800
'03 salary: $4.5M 		Prediction: Royals.
Comment: Solid, dependable and affordable. Not many free agent third basemen on the market this winter, enhancing Randa's value slightly.
Signed with: Royals.

42. Benito
Santiago 		Age: 38
HR: 11
RBI: 56
AVG: .279
OPS: .753
'03 salary: $1.78M 		Prediction: Padres.
Comment: Still has some pop in his bat. Look for Santiago to finish his career where he started, helping to usher in the new Petco Park in San Diego.
Signed with: Royals.

43. Roberto
Alomar 		Age: 35
HR: 5
RBI: 39
AVG: .258
OPS: .682
'03 salary: $7.7M 		Prediction: Cardinals.
Comment: St. Louis flirted with trading for Alomar last season. Now the Cardinals can get him for a low price coming off career lows in homers and OPS.
Signed with: Diamondbacks.

44. Jeromy
Burnitz 		Age: 34
HR: 31
RBI: 77
AVG: .239
OPS: .786
'03 salary: $12.1M 		Prediction: Diamondbacks.
Comment: Hit just .204 in 61 games with the Dodgers. With a glut of outfielders in the market, Burnitz should be viewed as merely a short-term solution.
Signed with: Rockies.

45. Rondell
White 		Age: 31
HR: 22
RBI: 87
AVG: .289
OPS: .829
'03 salary: $5.5M 		Prediction: Pirates.
Comment: Hit .347 in 22 games (75 at-bats) for the Royals. Could be next year's Reggie Sanders, if he stays healthy.
Signed with: Tigers.

46. Vinny
Castilla 		Age: 36
HR: 22
RBI: 76
AVG: .277
OPS: .771
'03 salary: $5M 		Prediction: Rockies.
Comment: An original member of the Rockies, Castilla said he would welcome a return to Colorado where he averaged 29 homers and 87 RBI for seven seasons.
Signed with: Rockies.

47. Arthur
Rhodes 		Age: 34
IP: 54.0
SV: 3
ERA: 4.17
BB/SO: 18/48
'03 salary: $3.5M 		Prediction: Yankees.
Comment: Struggled badly after the All-Star break (4.96 ERA, .347 opponents batting average). Still has plenty of value as a power left-hander.
Signed with: Athletics.

48. Mark
Grudzielanek 		Age: 33
HR: 3
RBI: 38
AVG: .314
OPS: .782
'03 salary: $5.5M 		Prediction: Cubs.
Comment: Hit a surprising .314 last season and was very solid defensively with only eight errors (second fewest among NL second basemen).
Signed with: Cubs.

49. Brian
Jordan 		Age: 36
HR: 6
RBI: 28
AVG: .299
OPS: .791
'03 salary: $9.6M 		Prediction: Mariners.
Comment: Coming off knee surgery, it's uncertain if Jordan can be an everyday outfielder. Going to Seattle would allow Ichiro to move to center field.
Signed with: Rangers.

50. Jose
Mesa 		Age: 37
IP: 58.0
SV: 24
ERA: 6.52
BB/SO: 31/45
'03 salary: $5.2M 		Prediction: Astros.
Comment: A 10.50 ERA after the All-Star break in 24 appearances. Mesa likely pitched himself into a minor-league deal for 2004.
Signed with: Pirates.

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