The ultimate free-agent tracker
By Position: SP | RP | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | DH | UT
Here is the free-agent class of 2008-09, ranked from Nos. 1 to 183. The rankings are based on a number of variables, including each player's history, age and potential, and should serve as an outline as to how free agency shakes out between now and spring training.
Bookmark this page and return frequently. As the offseason progresses, Yahoo! Sports will update it with news of signings and their impact on the other free agents.
1) CC Sabathia, SP: SIGNED Sabathia signed a $161 million, seven-year deal with the Yankees. Passan story
2) Mark Teixeira, 1B: SIGNED Switch-hitting, power-hitting, Gold Glove-winning, in-the-middle-of-his-prime, Scott Boras-represented first baseman signs an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees, stunning the Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles. Edes Story
3) Manny Ramirez, OF: That $100 million he was telling his buddies in Boston about seems pretty far-fetched now unless the Yankees overpay.
4) A.J. Burnett, SP: SIGNED In severe spending mode, the Yankees gave Burnett a five-year, $82.5 million deal two days after signing CC Sabathia. Brown story
5) Francisco Rodriguez, RP: SIGNED Coming off a record 62 saves, K-Rod didn't get the deal he sought, but the Mets stepped up with a three-year, $37 million contract with a vesting option for a fourth year at $14 million. Story
6) Rafael Furcal, SS: SIGNED After an ugly episode that prompted the Braves to vow never to deal with Furcal's agent again, the shortstop returned to the Dodgers in a three-year, $30 million deal that includes a vesting option for 2012. Brown story
7) Adam Dunn, OF: SIGNED You know you're getting 40 home runs and 100 walks, yet only the Nationals would go two years, and they landed Dunn for $20 million. Story.
8) Ben Sheets, SP: Sure, he hasn't made his full complement of starts since 2004. But if healthy, he's better than Burnett and nearly Sabathia's equivalent.
9) Orlando Hudson, 2B: SIGNED A victim of being a Type A free agent with injury issues, Hudson signed with the Dodgers after spring training began for one year at $3.38 million, which performance bonuses that could boost the deal to $8 million. Story.
10) Derek Lowe, SP: SIGNED One of baseball's best pitchers the last seven years signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Braves after turning down a shorter offer by the Mets. Story.
11) Pat Burrell, OF: SIGNED The powerful but streaky Burrell will become the Rays' designated hitter after agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract. Story.
12) Ryan Dempster, SP: SIGNED Making the most of coming off a career year (17-6 record, 2.96 ERA), Dempster re-signed with the Cubs for four years and $52 million. Story
13) Bobby Abreu, OF: SIGNED Six straight 100-RBI seasons is impressive, and by waiting out the market the Angels landed him for the bargain price of $5 million over one year. Story.
14) Brian Fuentes, RP: SIGNED Reached agreement with the Angels on a two-year, $17.5 million deal, giving the AL West champions a replacement for record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez. Story
15) Oliver Perez, SP: SIGNED The left-hander is staying in New York, reaching a reported three-year deal for $36 million. More
16) Raul Ibanez, OF: SIGNED Late bloomer didn't play full time until he was 30, and now, seven years later, he's a .290-hitting, 20-homer, 100-RBI guy with character to match the numbers. Story
17) Kerry Wood, RP: SIGNED The Indians desperately needed a closer and gave Wood a two-year, $20 million deal after his 34-save season with the Cubs. Story
18) Milton Bradley, OF/DH: SIGNED The Cubs got the switch-hitter they sought by signing Bradley to a three-year, $30 million deal despite his history of injuries. Story.
19) Brad Penny, SP: SIGNED The Dodgers didn't exercise a $9.25 million option because of a sore arm and a belligerent attitude, so the Red Sox signed him to a one-year, $5 million deal hoping that his arm problems are behind him. Story.
20) Edgar Renteria, SS: SIGNED Lost a step, certainly, though his offensive numbers should pick back up for the Giants, who signed him to a two-year, $18.5 million deal. Story
21) Jon Garland, SP: SIGNED Gives up lots of hits, strikes out no one but logs a guaranteed 200 decent innings, which prompted the Diamondbacks to give him a one-year, $7.25 million deal to follow Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Doug Davis in their rotation. Story.
22) Casey Blake, 1B/3B/OF: SIGNED Twins wouldn't go three years, so the reliable Blake returned to the Dodgers on a three-year, $17.5 million deal with an option. Brown story
23) Juan Cruz, RP: This year's version of gonna-try-to-make-him-a-closer. Certainly has the stuff, with an NL-best 12.4 strikeouts per nine.
24) Junichi Tazawa, SP: SIGNED The 22-year-old right-hander eschewed the Japanese major leagues and signed a $3.3 million, three-year deal with the Red Sox. Story
25) Joe Crede, 3B: SIGNED He's only 30 and plays Gold Glove-caliber defense when healthy, so the injuries of the last two seasons didn't deter the Twins from giving Crede a one-year deal. Story.
26) Orlando Cabrera, SS: Still good with the glove, but he simply can't hit well. Only once in his 11 full seasons has his OPS been better than league average.
27) Mike Mussina, SP: RETIRED Moose calls it quits after an illustrious 18-year career that could land him in the Hall of Fame. Story
28) Andy Pettitte, SP: SIGNED The lefty was upset over the Yanks' initial $10 million offer. After weeks of talks, he settled for $5.5 million before incentives kick in. Story
29) Randy Johnson, SP: SIGNED Not only is he motivated (five wins shy of 300), but from July 6 to the end of the year, his ERA was 2.56 and he struck out 91 in 98 1/3 innings. He stays in the NL West, this time with the Giants on a one-year, $8 million deal. Story
30) Koji Uehara, SP/RP: SIGNED Offered $3 million a decade ago by the Angels, he turned it down and has dominated with the Yomiuri Giants as a starter and closer. Now he'll pitch for the Orioles for the next two years. Story.
31) Jason Giambi, DH: SIGNED The power-hitting admitted steroids user will return to the scene of his best years, signing with the Oakland A's for one year at $4.5 million with an option for 2010. Story.
32) Garret Anderson, OF: He still will hit .300 with 15 home runs, not take any walks and look like Grandpa Abe Simpson when he's running.
33) Juan Rivera, OF: SIGNED The Angels re-signed the power-hitting left fielder to a three-year, $12.75 million deal even though his production has declined the last two years because of injury. Brown story
34) Randy Wolf, SP: SIGNED Takes his surgically repaired shoulder to the Dodgers, who gave him a one-year, $5million deal after a strange offseason. More
35) Ivan Rodriguez, C: The paucity of catchers increases his value significantly, because otherwise, teams would be more concerned with 18 years of major league squatting.
36) Jamie Moyer, SP: SIGNED Agreed to a two-year contract that keeps the left-hander with the Phillies. Story
37) Braden Looper, SP: SIGNED Solid, if not overwhelming, Looper signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers for $4.75 million with a mutual option for 2010.
38) Jason Varitek, C: SIGNED Miscalculated the market and signed a cut-rate deal with the Red Sox. Edes column
39) Mark Grudzielanek, 2B: High batting average and above-average fielding make up for Grudzielanek's lack of power and patience.
40) Brian Shouse, RP: SIGNED The Rays brought in Shouse to replace Trever Miller as the left-handed situational reliever. Story.
41) Trevor Hoffman, RP: SIGNED Chose the Brewers over the Dodgers for a one-year, $6 million deal after the Padres closed the door on the all-time saves leader. Story.
42) Rocco Baldelli, OF: SIGNED The Rhode Island native with chronic healthy issues signed a one-year, $500,000 deal with the nearby Red Sox, ending his seven-year run with the Rays. Story.
43) Ken Griffey Jr., OF/DH: SIGNED Junior returns to the scene of his glory days – Seattle, for one year and $2 million. He'll mostly DH. Story.
44) Jim Edmonds, OF: He looked cooked before a renaissance in Chicago. At 38, Edmonds won't get anything more than an incentive-laden one-year deal.
45) Kenshin Kawakami, SP: SIGNED Previously among the best pitchers in Japan, he lost some zip on his fastball but has enough left to land a three-year deal from the Atlanta Braves.
46) Greg Maddux, SP: RETIRED Maddux retired, which is a shame, because he remains a treat to watch. Story
47) Paul Byrd, SP: The pitcher equivalent to David Eckstein – and 26 spots higher than Eckstein because pitching scrappiness yields league-average performance.
48) Ray Durham, 2B: Can't run much and is slow in the field, too, but high on-base percentage and doubles power make him a nice one-year fill-in.
49) Russ Springer, RP: SIGNED Life begins at 40 for a set-up reliever who signed a one-year deal for $3.3 million with the Athletics. Story.
50) Joe Beimel, RP: Great ERA (2.02) is a bit misleading – 20 of 60 inherited runners scored.
51) John Smoltz, SP/RP: SIGNED Leaving the Braves after 21 seasons couldn't have been easy, but Smoltz signed an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Red Sox that guarantees him $5.5 million. Story.
52) Darren Oliver, RP: SIGNED Avoided arbitration with the Angels, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $3,665,000. Story
53) Pedro Martinez, SP: Hasn't looked like Pedro since 2005, and to be even a facsimile, he can't walk nearly four batters per nine innings like he did in '08.
54) Juan Uribe, 2B/SS/3B: SIGNED Ability to play three positions and hit home runs was enough for the Giants to sign him to a minor league deal. Story.
55) Doug Brocail, RP: SIGNED The aging but effective right-hander returned to the Astros for one year at $2.75 million and a club option for 2010. Story
56) Damaso Marte, RP: SIGNED After declining Marte's option, the Yankees signed the 33-year-old left-hander to a three-year, $12 million deal. Story
57) Jeff Kent, 2B: RETIRED Fiery Kent opted to retire after 17 years and is a likely Hall of Famer. Brown column.
58) Chan Ho Park, RP: SIGNED He's headed to the Phillies but whether as a starter or in relief has yet to be decided. Story
59) Mark Kotsay, 1B/OF: SIGNED His days as a full-time player are probably over, but the Red Sox re-signed him for one year at $1.5 million to back up in the outfield and first base. Story.
60) Eric Hinske, 1B/OF: SIGNED Huge power and little else, Hinske signed a one-year deal with the Pirates.
61) Freddy Garcia, SP: SIGNED Garcia made it back from shoulder surgery last season, but all he could get was a minor-league deal from the Mets. Story.
62) Jeremy Affeldt, RP: SIGNED The Giants filled a bullpen void by making the left-hander the first free agent to sign with a new team, giving him a two-year, $8 million deal. Story
63) Dennys Reyes, RP: Nearly unhittable against lefties (.537 OPS), too, but value drops because he's mostly a one-out guy.
64) Nomar Garciaparra, UT: Another injury-filled season begs the question of whether the 35-year-old can return to two-years-ago form, let alone that of his prime.
65) Will Ohman, RP: Workhorse's 83 games pitched ranked second in baseball in 2008.
66) Arthur Rhodes, RP: SIGNED The Reds boosted their bullpen by agreeing to a $4 million, two-year contract with the left-hander. Story
67) David Weathers, RP: Still an effective right-handed reliever – and a rare one that gets out lefties, who had a .635 OPS against him in 2008.
68) Brandon Lyon, RP: SIGNED Lyon's numbers through June 12 last season: 2-1, 1.29 ERA, 14 saves. After: 0-4, 8.01 ERA. The Tigers hope he shows consistency after signing Lyon to a one-year deal. Story
69) Eddie Guardado, RP: SIGNED At 38 and four years removed from his last 30-save season, Guardado signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers.
70) Tom Glavine, SP: SIGNED Arm surgery is one thing. But elbow and shoulder? That's tough for anyone, let alone a 43-year-old. Leave it to the Braves to give him a $1 million deal with performance bonuses that could add $3.5 million. Story.
71) Kevin Millar, 1B: SIGNED Managed 20 home runs last season with the Orioles, but couldn't get more than a minor league contract with the Blue Jays. Story.
72) Kyle Farnsworth, RP: SIGNED Hard-throwing, underachieving right-hander signs a two-year deal with the Royals for $9.25 million. Story
73) David Eckstein, SS/2B: SIGNED Even though he took a drastic pay cut from $4.5 million to $850,000, the former shortstop is excited about the opportunity to play second base every day for the Padres. Story.
74) Mark Prior, SP: SIGNED The Padres signed the injury-riddled right-hander to a minor-league deal.
75) Cliff Floyd, DH: SIGNED Great in a 250-at-bat role, which is what he should get with the Padres as an outfielder and mentor.
76) Cesar Izturis, SS: SIGNED The Orioles filled a problematic position by signing the defensively gifted Izturis to a two-year deal. Story
77) Sean Casey, 1B: RETIRED The left-handed hitter with the sweet swing and disposition to match has retired with a .302 career batting average. Story.
78) Felipe Lopez, 2B/SS: SIGNED The Diamondbacks, apparently impressed by his strong September, signed Lopez to a one-year, $3.5 million deal to replace Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson. Story
79) Nick Punto, UT: SIGNED The high-energy guy who steals bases and plays stellar defense is staying in Minnesota after agreeing to a two-year contract worth $8.5 million. Story
80) Rich Aurilia, 1B: SIGNED Great against left-handed pitching, Aurilia was signed to a minor league deal by the Giants that will earn him $1 million if he makes the team.
81) Omar Vizquel, SS: SIGNED Perhaps bound for the Hall of Fame, Vizquel will first spend a year tutoring prospect Elvis Andrus after signing a minor-league deal with the Rangers. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rangers-vizquel&prov=ap&type=lgns">Story.
82) Kenny Rogers, SP: Decent option if he does decide to play. Second-half ERA (7.93) could scare teams away.
83) Moises Alou, OF: Even at 42, he can still rake. When healthy. Which, unfortunately, is never.
84) Jerry Hairston Jr., 2B/OF: SIGNED Coming off a strong season in which he played six positions, Hairston will return to the Reds on a one-year, $2 million deal. Story.
85) Ramon Vazquez UT: SIGNED The Pirates are hoping he can keep his hot hitting going after batting a career-high .290 last season for Texas, agreeing to a $4 million, two-year contract with Vazquez. Story
86) Trever Miller, RP: SIGNED The left-hander who helped the Rays to the World Series by getting situational outs accepted $500,000 for one year from the St. Louis Cardinals after his physical showed a labrum tear, dashing his hopes for a two-year, $4 million deal.
87) Mike Hampton, SP: SIGNED Injury-plagued left-hander coming off a $121-million deal gets $2 million plus another $2 million in incentives over one year from the Astros. Story
88) Odalis Perez, SP: SIGNED The truest sign of how bad Washington was in '08: Perez started on opening day. Now he'll return to the Nats on a minor-league deal.
89) Frank Thomas, DH: No need to Willie Mays it anymore.
90) Gabe Kapler, OF: SIGNED Took off 2007 to manage, returned and hit .301 with an .838 OPS, an enticing enough resume for the Rays to give him a one-year, $1 million deal. Story.
91) Russell Branyan, 3B: SIGNED Almost always starts the year in the minors, only to get recalled and crank home runs. Hit 12 in 132 at-bats for Milwaukee, and wasn't half bad on defense, either. He's off to the Pacific Northwest, signing a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Mariners. Story
92) David Ross, C: SIGNED Lots of raw power (38 home runs between '06 and '07) disappeared in '08. He did show improved plate discipline, though, and could be a sleeper signing for the Braves, who got him for two years at $3 million. Story
93) Emil Brown, OF: Nice counting stats (13 home runs, 59 RBIs) belie his terrible on-base percentage, bad baserunning instincts and laughable defense.
94) Mark Loretta, UT: SIGNED The Dodgers brought back the Pasadena-raised Loretta as a utility infielder, shutting the door on re-signing Nomar Garciaparra. Story
95) Brad Wilkerson, 1B/OF: SIGNED Hit 30 home runs and walked 100 times only four years ago, so someone is bound to take a flyer. Turns out it's the Red Sox, hoping he can replace Sean Casey as a bat off the bench.
96) Aaron Boone, UT: SIGNED Boone signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Astros and will compete for the third-base job and backup Lance Berkman at first. Story
97) Chad Cordero, RP: Former NL saves leader could miss all of 2009 recovering from a labrum tear. Would likely sign an incentive-loaded multiyear deal.
98) Luis Ayala, RP: SIGNED The Twins signed the sinkerball specialist to a one-year, $1.3 million deal to set up Joe Nathan.
99) Alan Embree, RP: SIGNED After the A's declined its $3 million option on him, he agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2010 with the Rockies. Story
100) Curt Schilling, SP: Oh, what the hell.
101) Rudy Seanez, RP: As this so dutifully points out, Seanez is two years from being a four-decade pitcher.
102) Damion Easley, UT: He can play every position but catcher. Biggest issue at 39 is his speed: grounded into 15 double plays in 316 at-bats.
103) John Parrish, RP: SIGNED The rare left-handed reliever who's better against right-handed hitters, Parrish signed a minor league deal with the Orioles that would pay him $850,000 if he makes the team. Story.
104) Gregg Zaun, C: SIGNED The 37-year-old veteran signed a one-year deal with the Orioles to hold down the fort until uber-prospect Matt Wieters is ready. Story.
105) Guillermo Mota, RP: SIGNED The hard-throwing 35-year-old right-hander signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers. Story.
106) Brad Ausmus, C: SIGNED The veteran whose best years came with the Houston Astros signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Dodgers to back up Russell Martin. Tim Brown story.
107) Mike Lamb, 1B/3B: SIGNED The Brewers signed the veteran corner utility infielder to a one-year, $1 million deal. Story
108) Luis Gonzalez, OF: This year's best candidate for 40-something to get squeezed by youth movement.
109) Craig Counsell, UT: SIGNED The odd stance and decent production remains valued by the Brewers, who signed Counsell to a one-year, $1 million deal. Story.
110) Tony Clark, 1B: SIGNED The veteran and strong clubhouse presence will return to the Diamondbacks, for whom he played from 2005-2007 and the second half of last season, on a one-year, $800,000 contract. Story
111) Keith Foulke, RP: Rather good in his return from retirement, particularly in short stints. His ERA through 15 pitches was 2.14, and after was 8.68.
112) Jason Isringhausen, RP: SIGNED Not close to the Izzy of old after hip surgery, but the Rays signed him to a minor-league deal as a safety valve in case Troy Percival falters. Story.
113) Eric Gagne, RP: SIGNED Not close to the Gagne of old after he stopped pumping himself full of performance-enhancing drugs. So he took a minor-league deal with the Brewers, the same team that paid him $10 million lsat year.
114) Daryle Ward, 1B/OF: SIGNED After two standout pinch-hitting seasons, regressed to a .216 average last year and had to take a minor league deal with the Reds. Story.
115) Jacque Jones, OF: SIGNED Will attempt a comeback after taking almost all of last season off, signing a minor league deal with the Reds. Story.
116) Sidney Ponson, SP: For being on his 115th chance.
117) Richie Sexson, 1B: From consistent 30-homer masher to … below Sidney Ponson. Oy.
118) Carl Pavano, SP: SIGNED The often-injured pitcher who did little for a lot of money with the Yankees signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Indians. Story.
119) Bob Howry, RP: SIGNED The Giants bolster their bullpen, signing the 35-year old to a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Story
120) Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B: Showed tremendous plate discipline with 44 walks to 28 strikeouts, even if all his power is sapped.
121) Jorge Julio, RP: SIGNED Reinvigorated himself during September in Atlanta, finishing with 11 1/3 scoreless innings and 17 strikeouts. Lands in Milwaukee, for a one-year deal. Story
122) Ben Broussard, 1B: Another whatever-happened-to-him case. He went from a consistent 15-homer, 60-RBI guy to nothing overnight.
123) Alex Cora, UT: SIGNED Good for a walk and some range as a middle-infield fill-in, the veteran Cora signs a one-year, $2 million deal with the Mets. Story.
124) Jason Michaels, OF: SIGNED The 32-year-old agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Astros. Story
125) Julian Tavarez, RP: Hey, he's always up for throwing at batters, if nothing else.
126) Jay Payton, OF: Sub-.300 OBP for consecutive seasons isn't exactly a résumé booster.
127) Adam Everett, SS: SIGNED The Tigers believe he can improve their defense and signed him to a one-year contract worth about $1 million. Story
128) Casey Fossum, RP: SIGNED The left-hander signed a minor-league deal with the Mets.
129) Mark Hendrickson, SP/RP: SIGNED Hendrickson signed a one-year deal with the pitching-depleted Orioles. Story
130) Michael Barrett, C: SIGNED Although he hasn't been the same since Carlos Zambrano whaled on him in the clubhouse, Barrett signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays. Story.
131) Jon Lieber, SP/RP: Is there another season left in the arm? He turns 39 right before opening day.
132) Orlando Hernandez, SP: Teams could bring him back at 60 and he'd still throw the same stuff he does now at 43. He'll get a look somewhere if he wants it.
133) Livan Hernandez, SP: Teams could bring him back at 60 and he might have a difficult time fitting through the doorway. As is, he's not very good at 33.
134) Mike Lincoln, RP: SIGNED Workmanlike return to the major leagues after a four-year absence buys him another shot, this time with the Reds for a two-year stint. Story
135) Greg Norton, UT: SIGNED He can hit right-handers well (.841 OPS last year, .792 career), and that's the reason the Braves re-signed him for one year at $800,000. Story
136) Alex Cintron, UT: Never developed into an everyday guy, but Cintron is serviceable in a utility role.
137) Matt Herges, RP: He returned to form after a career year in 2007, allowing 79 hits in 64 1/3 innings.
138) Chris Gomez, UT: SIGNED The consummate journeyman, Gomez may have found his ninth team by signing a minor-league deal with the Orioles.
139) Ron Villone, RP: Truly an anomaly: survived Joe Torre and lived to tell about it without a scar on his pitching arm.
140) Mark Sweeney, 1B/OF: SIGNED Sweeney signed with the Mariners, but when the club added Ken Griffey Jr. it diminished his chances of making the team.
141) Ramon Martinez, UT: Three more seasons and he'll actually have had as long of a career as the good Ramon Martinez.
142) Mike Timlin, RP: Wait. He's really not Bob Howry's twin?
143) Josh Fogg, SP: SIGNED Penance for accepting the nickname "The Dragon Slayer" is a 7.58 ERA the next season. So he'll go back to Colorado on a minor-league deal and try to earn the nickname again.
144) Horacio Ramirez, RP: SIGNED The 29-year-old lefty's headed to Kansas City after agreeing to a $1.8 million, one-year contract. Story
145) Bartolo Colon, SP: SIGNED Injured and overweight the last several years, the former Cy Young Award winner will get $1 million and another $2 million in incentives from the White Sox to compete for a spot in the rotation.Story.
146) Mark Mulder, SP: Also a sad story: The victim of injuries has thrown only 17 1/3 innings since June 20, 2006. He probably will end up with a minor-league deal.
147) Jason Jennings, SP: SIGNED Flexor-tendon surgery in consecutive years is the stuff of which minor-league contracts are made. He got one from the Rangers. Story.
148) Tom Gordon, RP: Flash missed most of the season, and at 41 could be a long shot to play again.
149) Paul Lo Duca, C: It's bad when you're below a bunch of guys recovering from injuries.
150) Kevin Mench, OF: SIGNED Mench reached agreement on a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League.
151) Jamey Wright, SP/RP: SIGNED Wright made 75 appearances with the Rangers last season, so the Royals were more than glad to give him a minor league contract. Story.
152) Corey Patterson, OF: SIGNED The Nationals, already flush with mediocre outfielders, signed the fleet but feeble-hitting Patterson to a one-year, $800,000 minor-league contract. Story
153) Marcus Giles, 2B: SIGNED Although he sat out last season, the Phillies signed him to a minor-league deal as insurance in case Chase Utley isn't ready to start the season.
154) Glendon Rusch, RP: SIGNED The Rockies signed the soft-tossing left-hander to a one-year, $750,000 minor-league deal to be a spot starter and long reliever.
155) Kip Wells, SP/RP: So promising once, he hasn't finished with an ERA under 5.00 since 2004.
156) Juan Rincon, RP: Used to be a great setup man. Used to take steroids. Any correlation?
157) Jose Vidro, 1B/DH: Coming off the third-worst DH season of all time for players with at least 300 at-bats, his .612 OPS was unfathomably bad.
158) Willie Bloomquist, UT: SIGNED His .324 lifetime slugging percentage notwithstanding, Bloomquist signed a two-year, $3.1 million deal with the Kansas City Royals. Story.
159) Miguel Cairo, UT: Seattle gave Cairo, Bloomquist and Vidro nearly 700 at-bats combined last season. Is it any wonder the Mariners lost 100 games?
160) Pablo Ozuna, UT: Only five players in history have had as many at-bats as Ozuna (677) and drawn fewer walks than his 23. So why, again, is Tony Pena Jr. (18 in 778) a major leaguer?
161) Scott Podsednik, OF: Gone is his speed on the basepaths and range in center field. Which renders him … a minor leaguer.
162) Brendan Donnelly, RP: SIGNED The former Angels stalwart is still trying to rebound from 2007 elbow surgery as well as steroid allegations in the Mitchell Report. The Rangers gave him a minor league deal. Story.
163) Henry Blanco, C: SIGNED Seemingly minutes after the Dodgers signed Brad Ausmus, the Padres responded by inking Blanco to a one-year, $750,000 deal to back up Nick Hundley. Story.
164) Toby Hall, C: He is better known in the White Sox clubhouse for his facial hair than his talent.
165) Paul Bako, C: Rather Dunnian – perhaps even Howardian – in his strikeout prowess: 90 in 299 at-bats.
166) Javier Valentin, C: Actually isn't half-bad.
167) Gary Bennett, C: Actually is.
168) Adam Melhuse, C: He holds the lowest batting average among available catchers at .167. A mark of honor in these quarters.
169) Luis Rivas, 2B/SS: One of the rare cases of Minnesota rushing a player, Rivas never recovered from early failures and is little more than a bounce-around guy.
170) Tony Armas Jr., SP: SIGNED A pitcher who failed to reach his potential gets a shot with the Mets, who brought him in on a minor-league deal. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-metsmoves&prov=ap&type=lgns">Story.
171) Rob Mackowiak, UT: SIGNED After a dismal year with the Nationals, Mackowiak will try to make the Mets roster as a minor-league invitee. Story.
172) Trot Nixon, OF: SIGNED A long way from his glory days with the Red Sox, Nixon signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers.
173) Kent Mercker, RP: Drink that Goose in peace, kind sir.
174) Matt Wise, RP: Wise missed almost the whole season with a shoulder problem, and already has had two surgeries on his right arm.
175) Jason Johnson, RP: SIGNED Eleven big-league seasons under his belt, Johnson signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees.
176) Ricardo Rincon, RP: And its cosmic counterpart: left-handed, has pulse.
177) Sal Fasano, C: Hey, Joe, you're passé. This country needs Sal the Plumber.
178) Juan Encarnacion, OF: The saddest case of all: Freak injury – struck by a batted ball while in the on-deck circle – will, in all likelihood, end his career.
179) Chad Moeller, C: Here's to franchise No. 7 being the lucky one.
180) Juan Castro, UT: SIGNED The 14-year veteran with a career OPS of .579 signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers.
181) Elmer Dessens, RP: He finished fifth-worst in last season's rankings. Moving down in the world.
182) Chad Fox, RP: SIGNED Fox, who has pitched a grand total of 22 innings in the majors since 2004, signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs.
183) Vance Wilson, C: SIGNED Wilson hasn't played in the major leagues since 2006, but the Royals signed him to a minor-league contract.
