Top 50 free agents

Originally Published: November 12, 2004

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ESPN.com

Player	2004 stats	Prediction/comment
1. Carlos Beltran	Age: 27 HR: 38 RBI: 104 AVG: .267 OPS: .915 '04 salary: $9M	Prediction: Yankees. Comment: The stud of this free-agent class. And at 27, he's entering the prime years of his career. Batted .435 with eight home runs in 12 postseason games. Signed with: Mets.
2. Adrian Beltre	Age: 25 HR: 48 RBI: 121 AVG: .334 OPS: 1.017 '04 salary: $5M	Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: Led the majors in home runs (48) and also had a whopping 121 RBI. Ready to cash in big time after having a tremendous season. Signed with: Mariners.
3. Roger Clemens	Age: 42 IP: 214.1 W-L: 18-4 ERA: 2.98 BB/SO: 79/218 '04 salary: $5M	Prediction: Astros. Comment: Yes he's 42, but he was as dominating as ever in '04, winning his seventh Cy Young Award. And arguably, there isn't a better one-year option on the free-agent market. Signed with: Astros.
4. Edgar Renteria	Age: 29 HR: 10 RBI: 72 AVG: .287 OPS: .728 '04 salary: $7.25M	Prediction: Cubs. Comment: Didn't hit for much power (just 10 homers in '04), but is steady both offensively and defensively and isn't an injury risk (he's averaged playing in just over 150 games in his last six seasons with St. Louis). Signed with: Red Sox.
5. Pedro Martinez	Age: 33 IP: 217.0 W-L: 16-9 ERA: 3.90 BB/SO: 61/227 '04 salary: $17.5M	Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: His brilliant effort in Game 3 of the World Series helped his cause a great deal. He's no longer the pitcher he once was, but he can still be dominant at times. Signed with: Mets.
6. Carlos Delgado	Age: 32 HR: 32 RBI: 99 AVG: .269 OPS: .907 '04 salary: $19.7M	Prediction: Marlins. Comment: Remains a monster at the plate. Had 99 RBI (in 128 games) in '04, amazingly his lowest season-ending total since 1997. Signed with: Marlins.
7. Magglio Ordonez	Age: 30 HR: 9 RBI: 37 AVG: .292 OPS: .836 '04 salary: $14M	Prediction: Mets. Comment: Played in just 52 games last season after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Had 99 or more RBI for five straight seasons prior to '04. Signed with: Tigers.
8. Jason Varitek	Age: 32 HR: 18 RBI: 73 AVG: .296 OPS: .872 '04 salary: $6.9M	Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: Was the unofficial leader for the world champion Red Sox, and is considered to be among the best catching receivers in the game. Batted a career high .296 in '04. Signed with: Red Sox.
9. Carl Pavano	Age: 28 IP: 222.1 W-L: 18-8 ERA: 3.00 BB/SO: 49/139 '04 salary: $3.8M	Prediction: Orioles. Comment: Is coming off his best season ever, posting career highs in wins (18), ERA (3.00), innings pitched (222.1) and strikeouts (139). Will be in high demand. Signed with: Yankees.
10. Richie Sexson	Age: 29 HR: 9 RBI: 23 AVG: .233 OPS: .914 '04 salary: $8.73M	Prediction: Mariners. Comment: In his first year with the Diamondbacks was limited to just 23 games in '04 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. If healthy, expect him to be a force offensively. Signed with: Mariners.
11. J.D. Drew	Age: 28 HR: 31 RBI: 93 AVG: .305 OPS: 1.006 '04 salary: $4.2M	Prediction: Braves. Comment: Acquired by Atlanta last offseason, he went on to set career highs in nearly all major offensive categories while remaining completely healthy for the first time as a big leaguer. Signed with: Dodgers.
12. Nomar Garciaparra	Age: 31 HR: 9 RBI: 41 AVG: .308 OPS: .842 '04 salary: $11.5M	Prediction: Angels. Comment: Was dealt by the Red Sox at the July 31 trading deadline -- and the Sox went on to win the World Series. Ouch! Played in only 81 games in '04, due to an assortment of injuries. Signed with: Cubs.
13. Troy Glaus	Age: 28 HR: 18 RBI: 42 AVG: .251 OPS: .930 '04 salary: $9.9M	Prediction: Astros. Comment: Returned in late August from surgery on his right shoulder, and went on to hit seven homers in September. Has endured two straight injury-filled seasons. Signed with: Diamondbacks.
14. Armando Benitez	Age: 32 IP: 69.2 SV: 47 ERA: 1.29 BB/SO: 21/62 '04 salary: $3.5M	Prediction: Braves. Comment: Tied for the NL lead with 47 saves in '04, and also compiled a career-best 1.29 ERA. Allowed only 10 earned runs all season in 69 2/3 innings pitched. Signed with: Giants.
15. Steve Finley	Age: 39 HR: 36 RBI: 94 AVG: .271 OPS: .823 '04 salary: $7M	Prediction: Padres. Comment: Landed in L.A. at the July 31 trading deadline, and played a key role in helping the Dodgers get to the playoffs. Will turn 40 by Opening Day, but hasn't yet shown any signs of slowing down. Signed with: Angels.
16. Troy Percival	Age: 35 IP: 49.2 SV: 33 ERA: 2.90 BB/SO: 19/33 '04 salary: $7.83M	Prediction: Cubs. Comment: The Angels decided to let him go in order to make room for Francisco Rodriguez to be their closer. Still has the ability to be a dominant closer. Signed with: Tigers.
17. Matt Clement	Age: 30 IP: 181.0 W-L: 9-13 ERA: 3.68 BB/SO: 77/190 '04 salary: $6M	Prediction: Tigers. Comment: Somewhat underappreciated in the Cubs' vaunted starting rotation. Had a below .500 record, but averaged more than a strikeout per inning. Signed with: Red Sox.
18. Orlando Cabrera	Age: 30 HR: 10 RBI: 62 AVG: .264 OPS: .689 '04 salary: $6M	Prediction: Cardinals. Comment: His overall numbers were subpar offensively, but he played a vital part in the Red Sox's championship run. A stellar defensive player who is a former Gold Glover. Signed with: Angels.
19. Jeff Kent	Age: 36 HR: 27 RBI: 107 AVG: .289 OPS: .880 '04 salary: $10M	Prediction: A's. Comment: Has driven in 100 or more runs in seven of the last eight seasons. Is no longer a major force like he was during his best days with the Giants, but is still a quality run-producer. Signed with: Dodgers.
20. Moises Alou	Age: 38 HR: 39 RBI: 106 AVG: .293 OPS: .919 '04 salary: $9.5M	Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: Had a fantastic offensive season, highlighted by a career high 39 home runs. He also played in 155 games, the most since 1998 (159). Signed with: Giants.
21. Odalis Perez	Age: 27 IP: 196.1 W-L: 7-6 ERA: 3.25 BB/SO: 44/128 '04 salary: $5M	Prediction: Rangers. Comment: Received the worst run support of any National League starter this past year, at 3.30 runs per game. Isn't an ace, but is certainly a No. 3 or 4 starter. Signed with: Dodgers.
22. Jaret Wright	Age: 28 IP: 186.1 W-L: 15-8 ERA: 3.28 BB/SO: 70/159 '04 salary: $ 850,000	Prediction: Braves. Comment: Resurrected his career in a big way in '04 as he made 32 starts and in so doing became the Braves' ace. At 28, could have a few quality years in front of him. Signed with: Yankees.
23. Jermaine Dye	Age: 30 HR: 23 RBI: 80 AVG: .265 OPS: .793 '04 salary: $11.67M	Prediction: Giants. Comment: After an injury-plagued season in 2003, he stayed healthy for most of '04 (he played in 137 games). Would fit in well in the cleanup or No. 5 spot in most lineups. Signed with: White Sox.
24. Brad Radke	Age: 32 IP: 219.2 W-L: 11-8 ERA: 3.48 BB/SO: 26/143 '04 salary: $10.75M	Prediction: Devil Rays. Comment: Has thrown 200 or more innings in eight of his 10 years in the big leagues. And posted his best ERA (3.48) in '04. Has been a Twins-lifer. Signed with: Twins.
25. Omar Vizquel	Age: 37 HR: 7 RBI: 59 AVG: .291 OPS: .741 '04 salary: $6M	Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: Is no longer the defensive wiz that he once was, but can still handle the glove well. Had a .353 OBP in '04, so he still has the ability to get on base on a consistent basis. Signed with: Giants.
26. Russ Ortiz	Age: 30 IP: 204.2 W-L: 15-9 ERA: 4.13 BB/SO: 112/143 '04 salary: $6.2M	Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: Was far better in the first half (10-6, 3.58) than he was in the second half (5-3, 4.85). Has double-digits in wins in each of the last six seasons. Signed with: Diamondbacks.
27. Matt Morris	Age: 30 IP: 202.0 W-L: 15-10 ERA: 4.72 BB/SO: 56/131 '04 salary: $12.5M	Prediction: Cardinals. Comment: Gave up an astounding 35 home runs and saw his ERA rise by nearly a full run from '03 '04 (3.76 to 4.72). Despite all of that, has the ability to be an elite-level pitcher again. Signed with: Cardinals.
28. Vinny Castilla	Age: 37 HR: 35 RBI: 131 AVG: .271 OPS: .867 '04 salary: $2.1M	Prediction: Reds. Comment: Had a monster year in his return to Colorado. Consider these stats, though: he batted .321 and hit 14 homers at Coors Field, while batting .218 with 21 HRs on the road. Signed with: Expos/Nationals.
29. Placido Polanco	Age: 29 HR: 17 RBI: 55 AVG: .298 OPS: .786 '04 salary: $3.95M	Prediction: Cardinals. Comment: Hit a career high 17 homers and also had a solid .345 OBP in '04. A solid defender who is likely to be a highly-sought-after player. Signed with: Phillies.
30. Eric Milton	Age: 29 IP: 201.0 W-L: 14-6 ERA: 4.75 BB/SO: 75/161 '04 salary: $9M	Prediction: Yankees. Comment: In his first year with the Phillies, led the club with 14 wins. But he allowed an astounding 43 homers, most in the National League. Is a former Yankee farmhand. Signed with: Reds.
31. Jon Lieber	Age: 34 IP: 176.2 W-L: 14-8 ERA: 4.33 BB/SO: 18/102 '04 salary: $2.7M	Prediction: Yankees. Comment: Didn't make his first start until May 1 after sitting out the entire 2003 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. Control is his game. Signed with: Phillies.
32. Corey Koskie	Age: 31 HR: 25 RBI: 71 AVG: .251 OPS: .837 '04 salary: $4.5M	Prediction: Royals. Comment: Not a great player, but certainly a serviceable one. Leaving the Twins could perhaps be good for him, as he batted just .235 at the Metrodome in '04. Signed with: Blue Jays.
33. David Wells	Age: 41 IP: 195.2 W-L: 12-8 ERA: 3.73 BB/SO: 20/101 '04 salary: $1.25M	Prediction: Phillies. Comment: Returned to his hometown and pitched rather well for the Padres in '04 after undergoing offseason back surgery. Gave up more than a hit per inning (203 hits), but offset that by issuing just 20 walks. Signed with: Red Sox.
34. Derek Lowe	Age: 31 IP: 182.2 W-L: 14-12 ERA: 5.42 BB/SO: 71/105 '04 salary: $4.5M	Prediction: Orioles. Comment: Was a far different pitcher in the postseason (3-0, 1.86) than he was during the regular season, when he had a .299 batting average against. Signed with: Dodgers.
35. Richard Hidalgo	Age: 29 HR: 25 RBI: 82 AVG: .239 OPS: .745 '04 salary: $12.5M	Prediction: White Sox. Comment: Streaky player who shined right after being acquired by the Mets in mid-June. Overall numbers were for the most part subpar. Is expected to take a major paycut. Signed with: Rangers.
36. Kris Benson	Age: 29 IP: 200.1 W-L: 12-12 ERA: 4.31 BB/SO: 61/134 '04 salary: $6.15M	Prediction: Mets. Comment: Has never lived up to the expectations placed on him after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft. Was 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA in 11 starts after being acquired by the Mets. Signed with: Mets.
37. Jeromy Burnitz	Age: 35 HR: 37 RBI: 110 AVG: .283 OPS: .916 '04 salary: $1.25M	Prediction: Expos/Nationals. Comment: Came to life playing in the thin air of Coors Field. Led the Rockies with 37 homers, 24 of which came at home. He also batted a career high .283. Signed with: Cubs.
38. Kevin Millwood	Age: 29 IP: 141.0 W-L: 9-6 ERA: 4.85 BB/SO: 51/125 '04 salary: $11M	Prediction: Braves. Comment: Had a down season for the Phillies, posting a career-worst 4.85 ERA. He pitched just six innings from Aug. 1 on due to soreness in his right elbow. Signed with: Indians.
39. Cristian Guzman	Age: 26 HR: 8 RBI: 46 AVG: .274 OPS: .693 '04 salary: $3.73M	Prediction: Twins. Comment: Remains an above-average shortstop, but lacks definite punch offensively. His .309 OBP was also a sore point for the Twins. Signed with: Expos/Nationals.
40. Tony Batista	Age: 30 HR: 32 RBI: 110 AVG: .241 OPS: .728 '04 salary: $1.5M	Prediction: Expos/Nationals. Comment: Quietly put together a great offensive season. Was especially effective after the All-Star break, having 21 homers and 68 RBI. Signed with: Japanese team.
41. Jose Valentin	Age: 35 HR: 30 RBI: 70 AVG: .216 OPS: .760 '04 salary: $5M	Prediction: Mariners. Comment: Hit a career high 30 homers despite batting just .216 with a .287 OBP in '04. Committed 20 errors at shortstop. Is probably best as a utility player. Signed with: Dodgers.
42. Bob Wickman	Age: 35 IP: 29.2 SV: 13 ERA: 4.25 BB/SO: 10/26 '04 salary: $6M	Prediction: Braves. Comment: Missed the first three months of the season because of soreness in his right elbow. Was 13-of-14 in save opportunities once he returned. Signed with: Indians.
43. Esteban Loaiza	Age: 32 IP: 183.0 W-L: 10-7 ERA: 5.70 BB/SO: 71/117 '04 salary: $4M	Prediction: Rangers. Comment: Fell off dramatically while pitching for the White Sox and Yankees in 2004 after having a career year in '03 for the ChiSox. His value stems from the thought he can possibly return to his '03 form. Signed with: Expos/Nationals.
44. Orlando Hernandez	Age: 35 IP: 84.2 W-L: 8-2 ERA: 3.30 BB/SO: 36/84 '04 salary: $500,000	Prediction: Yankees. Comment: Became the Yankees' ace for the better part of the second half. Recurring shoulder problems acted up on him late in the season, however, leading to worries over his long-term health. Signed with: White Sox.
45. Juan Gonzalez	Age: 35 HR: 5 RBI: 17 AVG: .276 OPS: .767 '04 salary: $4M	Prediction: A's. Comment: Played in just 33 games in '04 due to a back injury. Hasn't played a full season since 2001. Any deal he signs, will no doubt be a low base salary. Signed with: Indians.
46. Paul Wilson	Age: 31 IP: 183.2 W-L: 11-6 ERA: 4.36 BB/SO: 63/117 '04 salary: $3.5M	Prediction: Indians. Comment: After a terrific first half (9-2, 3.66 in 17 starts), he fell off dramatically after the All-Star break (2-4, 5.38 in 12 starts). Would be a risky signing. Signed with: Reds.
47. Tony Womack	Age: 35 RBI: 38 SB: 26 AVG: .307 OPS: .735 '04 salary: $300,000	Prediction: Cubs. Comment: Became the Cardinals' regular second baseman and established career highs in batting average (.307) and OBP (349). Is versatile as he can play shortstop, as well. Signed with: Yankees.
48. Jose Lima	Age: 32 IP: 170.1 W-L: 13-5 ERA: 4.07 BB/SO: 34/93	Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: His sparkling shutout of the Cardinals in Game 3 of NLDS was as dominating an outing as perhaps any in the 2004 season. Overall pitched well in the regular season, too. Signed with: Royals.
49. Paul Byrd	Age: 33 IP: 114.1 W-L: 8-7 ERA: 3.94 BB/SO: 19/79 '04 salary: $7M	Prediction: Rangers. Comment: Returned in mid-June after missing the first two months as well as all of '03 after having reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. A classic soft-tosser who has fantastic control. Signed with: Angels.
50. Steve Kline	Age: 32 IP: 50.1 SV: 3 ERA: 1.79 BB/SO: 17/35 '04 salary: $1.7M	Prediction: Yankees. Comment: A master lefty set-up man. Held left-handed hitters to a .143 average. Should be all healed for '05 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left index finger. Signed with: Orioles.