Don't Expect Much Action This Free Agency Period
1/31/2082
Al Vincent
Staff Writer
A year ago, the Broncos made a rare splash in free agency, signing centerfielder Russell Thomas. That kind of noise isn't expected this offseason. Firstly, GM John Mounts feels that the team is pretty much set, and there aren't many areas that can be easily improved. Secondly, Mounts has also indicated that the team's budget this year is not sufficient to be adding any significant pieces. This, of course, has led to rumors that the Broncos may be looking to cut some of their payroll by trading some of the more expensive players on the roster. The most likely candidates would seem to be veteran relief pitcher Steven Andrade, who has one year remaining on his $5 million contract, and 33 year old left-fielder Alexis Vazquez, who is owed $3 million. The fact that the team has no obvious replacement for Vazquez has done little to quell the rumors. Neither has the non-answer given by Mounts in regard to the rumors: "For the right price, every player is tradeable."
In any event, it is too bad that Denver isn't planning on entering the free agent market. There are a number of big names that would look nice in a Denver uniform. Carl Strothers, despite coming off of an 18 loss season (due in large part to getting traded to hapless Green Bay a year ago), is a 2 time 20 game winner, and is just 29 years old. He is easily the best pitcher on the market. Closer James Smith is likely the second best pitcher available. Thirty-one years old, and coming off of a 30 save, 2.91 ERA season, Smith would seem to be a great addition to a bullpen that spent much of last season blowing leads.
As for hitters, the best available is likely 28 year old second-baseman, Eric Phillips. Phillips has an excellent glove, and posted an .858 OPS in 2081, with 27 homeruns. First-baseman Thomas Stallman, third-baseman Robin Vega, and left-fielder Joshua Kier represent the biggest sluggers on the market, but there are a number of other attractive hitters available.
The most plentiful position appears to be short-stop. No fewer than six starting SS from a year ago are available in the free agent crop. Granted, at least one of them, 38 year old Berny Morales, is likely finished as a starting caliber player- witness his .566 OPS last season- but several of the others would certainly be an upgrade over Denver's Booker Romero...
As it is, the only are where Denver is likely to be active is in the backup catcher department. After trading backup Eric Fudge last season, veteran Michael Grace filled in admirably down the stretch. Grace was allowed to leave as a free agent, but Denver may try to bring him back. Interestingly, several of the other options are also former Denver catchers. Matthew Cendejas, now 38 years old, played for the Broncos in the early '70s. Cendejas still possesses a strong arm, and excellent plate discipline. David Jagger was the backup catcher before Fudge. The 34 year old Jagger also has a strong arm, but his hitting skills are questionable at this point. Roy Isenhour was a "third string" catcher for Denver for several seasons, splitting time between AAA and the majors. Although younger than the other options, and also the owner of a strong arm, Denver is not likely to target Isenhour. With a left-handed hitting starting catcher, the Broncos would prefer a right-handed backup. The switch-hitting Isenhour has never hit particularly well against left-handed pitchers.