Speaking of Right-Handed Power...
The Rays
have signed Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 M contract. Burrell was one name bandied about as a possible Giant this winter, more than anything because he's from the Bay Area. He would have been a terrible fit with S.F. Remember, this was a guy who was replaced for late-inning defense in the World Series, even when games were fairly close and his potent bat might still have been necessary. That's how bad his glove is.
The contract is a huge pay cut for Burrell, who made $27 M the last two years. ESPN's Rob Neyer says, "I believe we're seeing more proper valuations this winter than we've seen at any point in the past 30 years."
Jason Giambi is also on the verge of signing with Oakland, according to reports, no doubt for less than the $21 M he earned last year. Who's next?
Who's next? Who knows?
There sure is a long list of unsigned FAs. A lot of them have to be getting nervous, seeing the chance for a big-dollar and/or multi-year deal slipping away, or (for some) wondering if they are going to have a job in 2 months or get the Kenny Lofton involuntary-retirement treatment.
I'd be concerned that if the market stays soft, Adam Dunn and the Giants might lower their standards (he accepting less money and AT&T Park; the Giants letting him wear a glove).
AAAAaahhh!!! Not Adam Dunn!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!
Dunn
Are you sure you are not over estimating the importance of 1B or LF defense? If Adam Dunn could be gotten for short years and a reasonable salary, I would be very happy. 40 HR and a 900 OPS every year has value.
That being said, I think if Dunn were going to sign a short contract to re-prove what he is worth, Mays Field would likely be near his last choice for home ball-park.