Free-agent bargains

Sporting News, The, May 17, 2004 by Tom Gatto

Another glut of free agents in the offseason forced many players to settle for one-year deals worth around $1 million. Several of those players are providing greater-than-expected returns on their teams' investments.

Tony Womack, 2B, Cardinals

Womack's salary went from $6 million in 2003, the last season of a four-year contract, to the minimum $300,000 in 2004. Offseason surgery on his right elbow cost Womack some bargaining power--in fact, he wasn't cleared to play in the field until the final week of spring training, after the Red Sox had traded him to the Cardinals. Now, Womack, 34, is the offensive catalyst for a team that is averaging five runs a game. He also has been solid in the field, though his arm isn't quite 100 percent. A team-high nine stolen bases prove Womack's knees are OK, and he has a .347 on-base percentage as St. Louis' leadoff man. He hasn't walked much (nine times in 96 plate appearances), so he'll need to keep hitting--he was at ,286 entering the week--to remain an asset. And Womack's health isn't guaranteed; he recently missed a week because of elbow-area problems.

Jose Mesa, RHP, Pirates ($800,000). The burly closer left Philadelphia and a chorus of boos behind, but he has done little to upset fans on the other side of Pennsylvania. He is 9-for-9 in save opportunities and throwing much better than he did in 2003. Mesa could be an enticing bullpen option for a contender later this season if he's pitching well and the Pirates are out of the N.L. Central race.

Pokey Reese, SS/2B, Rod Sox ($1 million). Reese made a seamless transition back to his original position, shortstop, when Nomar Garciaparra went on the D.L. The former Gold Glove second baseman is third in the A.L. in zone rating, a measure of fielding ability. If Reese can keep his average near the current .262, Boston might have no choice but to play him every day when Garciaparra returns.

Shamm Estes, LHP, Rockies ($600,000). Estes and his looping curveball seemed a poor fit for Coors Field when Colorado acquired him in the offseason. But Estes, a starter, has relied on his fastball, particularly early in the count, in fashioning a 4-2 record that includes a 2-0 home mark. In fact, Estes has been throwing his changeup more than his curve (according to STATS Inc.)--a logical approach for pitching in Denver.

Ronnie Belliard, 2B, Indians ($1.1 million), Belliard has more than doubled his salary after being non-tendered by the Rockies, but his production has rivaled that of the game's top-end second basemen. He leads Cleveland in batting average (.384) an on-base percentage (.461) and has made two errors in 151 chances--impressive numbers for someone who can be a free agent after this season.

Todd Zelle, IF, Mets ($1 million). Zeile, 38, is making the most of his final big-league season. He has filled in capably at third base during Ty Wigginton's stay on the D.L., and before that he was getting some starts at first base. With his average at .282, the club might want to consider keeping Zeile's bat in the lineup when Wigginton returns. That could cost first baseman/catcher Jason Phillips at-bats.

Matt Stairs, OF, Royals ($1 million). Stairs has been productive as a part-time player in Kansas City. In fact, Stairs entered the week with more home runs and RBIs than Juan Gonzalez, who costs the Royals far more money. The lefthanded-swinging Stairs adds balance to the lineup against righthanded pitchers. Never an exceptional fielder, Stairs has limited range and an average arm.

By senior editor Tom Gatto. E-mail him at tgatto@sportingnews.com