Wagner Could Prove to Be Great Bargain

Free agent signings are typically measured by fans on how big of a splash they create, but organizations evaluate their signings based on the value a player brings to the team relative to the amount he is paid. Some teams need to go bargain hunting more than others, and in this era of big contracts it is often difficult to find top-level talent at a reasonable price.

The Braves, however, did just that in signing veteran closer, Billy Wagner.

The Hot Stove has gotten off to a relatively slow start, but the Wagner signing, the possibility of Dustin Pedroia moving to shortstop and the Rays' acquisition of Kelly Shoppach all figure to have implications on the 2010 season and beyond.

As we wait for the big free-agent fish to be reeled in and the potential blockbuster trades to go down, clubs around baseball are making other smaller decisions as they lay the groundwork for building their 2010 rosters. One of the most significant early moves came from the Atlanta Braves, who preempted the potential losses of their two standout relievers, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, with the signing of the veteran left-hander Wagner.

So, how did Atlanta do in signing the hard-throwing southpaw? If you are convinced he can stay healthy, which the organization is, they did exceptionally well. The Braves see Wagner as a superior closer, especially relative to many of his peers making more money and under contract for additional years. Compared to the contracts of Brad Lidge and Francisco Rodriguez, Atlanta may have landed a tremendous bargain. Let's not forget that it wasn't long ago that Wagner was among the elite stoppers in the game.

For a one-year deal and a commitment of $7 million (with an option for 2011 that only comes into play if he's effective), Atlanta gets the steady hand of an experienced closer, and one that showed outstanding stuff with Boston in 2009, even following arm surgery. Still sitting at 93-96 mph with the fastball and flashing that biting slider, there appeared there appeared to be no reason for lingering concern about his health in his limited playing time in 2009.

Some will criticize the Braves for overpaying for Wagner's services, but given his stuff, his resume, and the seemingly firm belief of the organization that he's healthy, how can you make the argument that one year isn't worth the risk? This is a pitcher who still has premium stuff and a history of success. Age and injuries aside, it's a gamble worth taking.

Short Stop?

Dustin Pedroia has been a steady component to the Boston infield at second base, but does he have the physical skills to handle a move to shortstop? He handled the position in the minors, and as far as holding his own there, the former MVP has the aptitude and instincts to make the switch. On the other hand, his less-than-outstanding throwing arm could make throws from deep in the hole a major issue.

Another point to consider is the home ballpark in which Pedroia plays. Many shortstops, including Derek Jeter, have called Fenway Park's infield among the toughest in baseball. Pedroia has obviously handled himself well at second base, but his home turf, quite literally, would be a very difficult place to adjust to a new position. Keep in mind that Edgar Renteria, a well-respected defensive shortstop, had possibly his worst year with the glove in the one season he called Fenway home.

This doesn't seem like a move the Red Sox are seriously inclined to make. They've renewed their focus on defense in recent years, and moving a solid second baseman into a spot where his physical skills do not profile well doesn't seem like a road they want to go down. There's a good reason Pedroia was put at second in the first place.

Rays Buy Low on Shoppach

Kelly Shoppach's career has been a rollercoaster ride. Once highly regarded as a prospect in the Red Sox organization, it looked like he finally became the player scouts expected he would be in 2008 with Cleveland. But following his 21-homer campaign in '08, Shoppach fell flat in 2009. With that in mind, what is there to be encouraged about for the Tampa Bay Rays, who recently acquired the 29-year-old in a trade?

If nothing else, Shoppach hits left-handed pitching and has done so throughout his career with regularity. Also encouraging is the way he was pitched in 2009. The patterns and approach did not change much for the pitchers who faced him as oppose to how they attacked him in his strong 2008 season. This didn't appear to be a case of the league and advanced scouting figuring him out. Shoppach still has above-average, game-usable power, and if used correctly he can put up good numbers as a part-time player. Hats off to the Rays for buying low on a bat that has shown real promise in the past.

Who Will Accept Arbitration?

Arbitration is a game of cat and mouse and has become an even more dangerous balancing act for general managers in the last couple years. Who should be offered arbitration and which players would get too expensive if they were to accept? These are questions every team needs to answer. Many players were not offered arbitration out of fear that they would accept and receive significantly more money than their club was willing to pay. There are other players who were offered arbitration that have to figure out whether or not they would do better on the open market.

The first player that comes to mind is Joel Pineiro. His camp believes there will be a team willing to give him a multi-year deal with an annual salary of $10 million or more. If there is a team out there willing to do that, they are taking quite a risk on a pitcher coming off his first good season in many years. In this economy, he may do better in arbitration.

We aren't likely to see reckless spending on pitchers with less-than-stellar resumes as we saw a few years ago with pitchers like Carlos Silva and Gil Meche. The same could go for other pitchers coming off good seasons, but lacking the long resume of success. Outlandish multi-year contracts may be a thing of the past, leaving arbitration as the best option for such arms.

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.