Free Agent Feeding Frenzy

After drafting 416 players to fill out SFRRC Fantasy League Baseball rosters, owners are now reassessing some of their decisions and looking towards the free agent market to solve their statistical shortcomings before the season begins in earnest.

Owners are facing a midnight deadline on Sunday to make their first two roster adjustments of the season. These are important decisions, as the first free agents added can make an impact for teams. Here are some of the top players available based on BaseballMonster.com projections.

Brett Myers, SP, Houston - Don't be misled by his starting pitcher label, Myers is going to be the closer for Houston. He's the only closer remaining on the market. Sure, he's making the transition from starting pitcher to reliever, but if your team needs saves, Myers is your man.

Seth Smith, OF, Oakland - There aren't many free agents capable of hitting 20 home runs but Smith could. He's hitting fourth in Oakland's offense, which should give Smith plenty of RBI opportunities.

Joe Thatcher, RP, San Diego - Thatcher is third in line for holds in San Diego, which is why he's projected to just earn 10 but his value goes deeper than holds. His ERA is projected to be 3.07 and his WHIP 1.17. That can help any pitching staff. If either Andrew Cashner or Luke Gregerson struggle, Thatcher could double his hold opportunities.

Nick Massett, RP, Cincinnati - While Thatcher doesn't have a setup role, Massett does. With Cincinnati closer Ryan Madson out for the season with an elbow injury, Sean Marshall will assume the closer role and Massett will be the primary setup man along with Aroldis Chapman. Massett is projected to earn 19 holds.


Jason Grilli, RP, Pittsburgh - Grilli and Evan Meek are the primary setup men in Pittsburgh. Grilli is projected to earn 15 holds and finish the season with a 3.48 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He is also projected to have 68 strikeouts.

Josh Donaldson, C, Oakland - Donaldson is a highly regarded prospect that will actually play third base for the A's. If you need a catcher, Donaldson is a bargain because he'll earn more at bats playing third base. He's projected to hit 11 home runs, which is better than most second catchers.

Cliff Pennington, SS, Oakland - Pennington is a veteran hitting second in Oakland's lineup, a prime spot for scoring runs. Pennington is projected to score 73 runs, drive in 56, and steal 22 bases. That's excellent production from a free agent shortstop.

Luke Scott, 1B/OF, Tampa - Scott will primarily DH for the Rays. He's projected to hit 20 home runs and drive in 62 RBI. No free agent is projected to hit more dingers.

Jordan Schafer, OF, Houston - It can be difficult to find a leadoff hitter in the free agent pool but it's nearly impossible to find one projected to steal 30 bases and score 60+ runs.

Andres Torres, OF, Mets - Torres will also hit leadoff and is projected to steal 30 bases but he brings a little more pop, projected to hit 13 home runs compared to six for Schafer. He's battling a calf injury but should start on Opening Day.

Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners - Figgins is not your prototypical third baseman. He's leading off for the Mariners and is projected to steal 30 bases. He could also score 70 runs.

Brian Matusz, SP, Baltimore - Matusz could reach 160 strikeouts and 15+ quality starts. He's had a great spring and could be the opening day starter for the Birds.

Luke Gregerson, RP, San Diego - A year ago, Gregerson was a keeper. Now he's a free agent. He's still a primary setup man for San Diego and should earn close to 20 holds. It's amazing he's still available.

Evan Meek, RP, Pittsburgh - Every year Meek remains undrafted and every year he ends up on someone's roster, contributing holds. He's projected to earn 17 holds, so he has value.