Here is the second installment of the Top 50 MLB Free Agents, rounding out the top 20 today:
11. Adrain Beltre, Mariners
- The Orioles, Brewers, and Twins are among teams that could use a third baseman. Beltre's numbers have been kind of a disappointment over the past couple of years, but is only 30 years old and still could give a team three, maybe even four productive years. After Joe Crede flopped at the hot corner, the Twins could look to bring him in where he can settle in nicely behind Morneau, Mauer, and Cuddyer.
Prediction: Twins
12. Rich Harden, Cubs
- The Cubs are ready to move on from Rich Harden, and will let teams cautiously line up for the power arm right-hander. The Red Sox have been tied to Harden already, and some think the Mariners could be a possibility as well. One interesting possibility, however, is the Brewers, where he would be reunited with former manager KenMacha and pitching coach Rick Peterson, who he worked with in his rookie year.
Prediction: Brewers
13. Mike Gonzalez, Braves
- Gonzalez put up very strong numbers for the Braves and all signs point to the Braves re-signing the lefty closer.
Prediction: Braves
14. Felipe Lopez, Brewers
- Orlando Hudson and Chone Figgins may be out of their price range, and bringing in a solid infielder like Felipe Lopez would be a huge upgrade at second and at the top of the order, not to mention a nice response to the Brewers signing Harden (in this scenario).
Prediction: Cubs
15. Placido Polanco, Tigers
- Adding a Gold Glove award certainly helps his value, but being a Type-A free agent may lead to teams staying away from him. However, a team like the Diamondbacks, who would not lose their first round pick by signing a Type-A free agent, could be an option.
Prediction: Diamondbacks
16. Andy Pettitte, Yankees
- How long will Pettitte contemplate retirement before re-upping with the Yankees?
Prediction: Yankees
17. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
- While the Mariners appear to be an intriguing option, the DH spot will likely go to Griffey one last time. Guerrero will certainly be a DH next season, maybe making an occiasional appearane in the outfield. The White Sox, Tigers, and Orioles could look to the veteran power-hitter.
Prediction: Orioles
18. Nick Johnson, Marlins
- Johnson put together a pretty strong season for the Marlins and Nationals, and likely will look to cash in. If the Braves lose Adam LaRoche, he could emerge as a top target.
Prediction: Braves
19. Marlon Byrd, Rangers
- The Rangers might not be able to afford to keep Byrd, who could land with the Cardinals if they fail to sign Matt Holliday.
Prediction: Cardinals
20. Mark DeRosa, Cardinals
- Mark DeRosa is not going back to Chicago. However, the Phillies need a corner infielder and could take a chance on the infielder at a reduced price, considering he is coming off wrist surgery.
Prediction: Phillies