A total of 22 players that finished the year in Triple-A elected free agency after the end of the regular season according to the transaction pages of the Pacific Coast and International Leagues. All but one of those 22 players (Matt Carson, formerly of the Rays) played in the big leagues this season. Here's the full list:
Dusty Brown (Pirates), Travis Buck (Indians), Armando Galarraga (D'Backs), Jay Gibbons (Dodgers), Edgar Gonzalez (Rockies), Steve Holm (Twins), Wil Ledezma (Blue Jays), Andy LaRoche (Athletics), Felipe Lopez (Brewers), Lastings Milledge (White Sox), Pat Misch (Mets), Pat Neshek (Padres), Mike O'Connor (Mets), Matt Palmer (Angels), Felix Pie (Orioles), Brad Snyder (Cubs), Brett Tomko (Rangers), Wyatt Toregas (Pirates), P.J. Walters (Blue Jays), Randy Williams (Red Sox), and Reggie Willits (Angels).
Wow, the catching depth for the Pirates just took a huge hit. How will they replace Brown and Toregas?
Heh…yeah that will be a tough one.
it’s close to impossible, but it can be done. XD
Felix Pie a free agent! Who will collect our helmets after touchdowns!
he will go back to the cubs and never be traded because of his potential again
You are 100% right, he outplayed our bat boy on helmet pickups. The Cubs will be set there for years.
Damn, is this a Free Agent list, or a failed prospects list?
milledge is the best one on the list no question
Milledge actually did well at AAA in 2011… you’d expect that given his age, of course, but it says volumes that the White Sox still couldn’t be bothered to call him up in September
That right there is one hefty crop of mediocrity. Fortunately free agency cuts both ways; teams are free not to sign them.
Says a lot that the Dodgers chose to try Thames, Gibbons, Gwynn, etc. in LF than give Milledge a shot.
Would not mind taking a look at Reggie Willits…..an upgrade over Ben Francisco next year. Fast, base stealer, good defensive outfielder, works the count well
Same with Milledge…..he had a decent season in AAA, and he’s still only 26.
Milledge also played in 2 games this year with Chicago. 4-ab, 1-hit
neshak & willits look solid.
Milledge deserves a spot on an MLB roster.
I always felt like Milledge still had potential
Potential to do what?
He’s got the potential to beat out Prince Fielder and maybe a few catchers in a 100 yard dash. It’s not a lock by any stretch. But he has THAT potential. He also *might* have the potential to hang around longer than Willy Mo Pena. Again, not a given. What he doesn’t have is the potential to win an everyday job in the majors.
Willits is a “gamer” who gives his all, every game. Sprints to the outfield and then sprints to the dugout after the third out. I think he just needs the right batting coach (which Mickey Hatcher was NOT) to bring his BA up. Has a great eye, patience in the box, great speed on the bases. He will be an asset to any team which has room on their roster for an outfielder.
Good luck Reggie. Angels fans will miss you, but will always appreciate your level of committment.
couldnt agree more not just a great player but a great person saw his son a few times on the field with him when i would go to batting practice hes just a great family guy any team would be grateful to have his hustle and determination on their team if only we didnt have trout bourjos abreu wells and hunter on the team
is there any where I could find a complete list of minor league free-agents?
Galaragga, Lopez, and Milledge have all been known for bad attitudes
They should just make their own team.
I think that although Galarraga had a bad season, he might end up on the Red Sox, due to their pitching problems. If Lackey can pitch in the upcoming year, Armando may be a no-go, but the odds of him succeeding is slim. Bedard, Buchholz, Beckett, and Lester look good, but there’s no definitive #5. Lackey, Miller, Doubront or Bowden don’t look promising as a starter. Aceves as a #5 mighyt work, but it is too improbable.
More will be added.
I like Reggie Willits… he’s a ballplayer.
Willits would be a good backup for Cards in center. They are looking for a RH bat to sub for Jay in CF against lefties.
Edgar Gonzalez came from the Giants, not the Rockies. Also, he will be in the bigs as a utility guy somewhere next year. That’s what happens when you go .315/.378/.457 with 14 HR and can play all over the field.