Best Free Agent Signing by an American League Team: Brad Fullmer

Fullmer received a $4M salary in 2002, but after non-tendering him, the Angels were able to re-sign him for only $1M in 2003. While several other first basemen and designated hitters accepted similar deals, Anaheim benefits from retaining one of their World Series "heroes". Fullmer also improved his contact rate, demonstrated increased skill on the basepaths, and a bit more power last season, so he should be set for at least a repeat performance if not an even better year in 2003.

Overall I was fairly unimpressed by the American League free agent signings. However, New York deserves credit for the acquisition of Hideki Matsui. No other outfielder who was on this off-season's free agent market is expected to match Matsui's 2003 performance and if he lives up to expectations he should earn his salary. While it is easy to dislike the Yankees for buying whatever they want, MLB is a richer environment because they are able to entice players like Matsui to leave their local leagues for the majors.

Greg Colbrunn strikes me as the third best AL free agent signing, as he fills a definite need for the Mariners and has demonstrated the skills to perform at a very high level for Seattle. If Edgar Martinez spends an extended portion of the DL for any reason, Seattle will likely be very pleased they have Colbrunn around.

Best Free Agent Signing by a National League Team: Edgardo Alfonzo

While I think that Jeff Kent should have a great year in Houston, Edgardo Alfonzo possesses the skills to fully replace his production in San Francisco and will cost the Giants almost $3M less per/year than Kent is costing the Astros. Alfonzo is also just entering his prime, while Kent is nearing the end of his.

Although Florida's signing of Ivan Rodriguez was probably the most surprising of the off-season, Houston's unexpected acquisition of Jeff Kent ranks as a close second. I'm not sure I like the repercussions of moving Craig Biggio to the outfield, however I think Kent could have a couple big years at Minute Maid Park.

I wasn't wildly enthusiastic when Jose Hernandez first signed with Colorado, but upon further consideration of the park effect as well as his position flexibility and trade value, I believe he's likely the third best NL free agent signing.

Worst Free Agent Signing by an American League Team: Doug Glanville

Like Fullmer Glanville is going from a $4M salary in 2002 to a $1M salary in 2003. Unfortunately, he shouldn't be earning much more than the minimum given his limited offensive contribution. He'll likely keep Ryan Ludwick off the roster even if Ludwick recovers from his injury problem and take at-bats from more productive players on the roster.

Tampa should also be chastised for the signing of Travis Lee to a deal that guarantees him at least $1M this year and up to $4M over the next two years. A first baseman was not what the Devil Rays needed to spend money on this year. Additionally while Lee isn't a horrible player, there were superior 1B/DH available for a million.

While Seattle scored the third best AL free agent signing with Colbrunn, signing John Mabry for a minimum of $850,000 this year and up to $2.1M over the next two years was a poor call. The 32-year-old does not have the skills to maintain last season's production levels and therefore does not deserve this kind of money.

Worst Free Agent Signing by a National League Team: Paul Byrd

The Paul Byrd signing essentially led directly to the Kevin Millwood trade, as the Braves spent money they could have used to retain Millwood and felt more comfortable in dealing Millwood with a pitcher to fill the rotation hole. Byrd demonstrated excellent control last season, but he can't be relied upon to repeat that performance and his strikeout and homer rates are sufficiently poor that he'll have serious problems if his walk rate rises.

Chicago's signing of Dave Veres comes in as the second worst NL free agent signing. Veres will receive $2M this season while blocking young relievers that likely could have done a better job for the Cubs. Signing former closers for middle relief work is usually costs more than its worth.

The Cubs also take home the honors of the third worst NL free agent signing for the acquisition of Sean Estes. They were fixated on adding a lefty to the rotation and therefore will start a pitcher who is significantly less effect than several of their alternatives. Chicago wasn't even able to sign him at a bargain; Estes will make $3M in 2003.

San Francisco's waiver claim of Neifi Perez merits recognition in its own category as the worst waiver claim since San Diego claimed Randy Myers. The Giants did not need Perez and had they wanted him they certainly could have waited until he waited until he was a free agent and signed him for less than the two-year, $4.25M contract they awarded him.

I also want to take this opportunity to hand out this year's Jody Reed Award to Kenny Rogers. Rogers was an early favorite after declining the Rangers contract offer and he's already received support from several columnists this off-season. There's still a possibility he'll receive a nice offer from some team that suffers a major Spring Training injury to a starter, but it is very unlikely he'll make as much as the Rangers were offering and he'll be playing somewhere outside of Texas where he makes his home. Cases like this make you think that players should have a third option when an agent recommends they turn down an offer. They can accept it anyway, they can follow the agent's advice, or they can go with option three and if the agent can't get them at least as much from another team the agent makes up half the difference, if the agent can get the player the better deal he receives half of the amount above the original deal in addition to his regular percentage.

We'll continue reviewing the off-season tomorrow with a look at the best and worst trades as well as overrated and underrated moves.