Lyrics from the song “Call Me” are in the thoughts of the 273 unsigned free agents, as Spring Training is about to begin. The list is a conglomeration of veterans near the end of their careers, fringe players and those who are victims of the salary syndrome (too old, too much money).
Among the latter that should have this song as a ring tone are hitters Ivan Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero, Johnny Damon, Jason Kendall, Magglio Ordonez, Edgar Renteria, Derrek Lee, Pat Burrell, Raul Ibanez, Hideki Matsui and Kosuke Fukodome. Surprisingly, Kelly Johnson at age 30 has not been signed.
The top pitchers on this list include Roy Oswalt, Javier Vazquez, Tim Wakefield, Brandon Webb, Jon Garfield, Brad Penny, Rich Harden, Arthur Rhodes, Chris Young and Damaso Marte.
Harden and David Aardsma are also 30 but both are coming off serious injuries.
Are any of the above still productive? Generally, yes. I believe Guerrero, Damon, and especially Lee still have something in the tank but must be willing to take big pay cuts to still play.
The same goes for Oswalt who could be a stopgap starter on a team waiting for their prospects to develop (Seattle/Baltimore/Pittsburgh/Colorado?). Having earned $16,000,000 over the two seasons while a member of the “Greatest Rotation of the Decade”, Oswalt is affordable. But apparently he is holding out for more than what clubs are willing to pay. He has banked nearly $92,000,000 over his career so this is more about personal pride and whether he has the desire to keep playing.
A few seasons ago, Jermaine Dye walked away rather then taking less pay and that’s what will happen to these players who want A-Type salaries for diminished skills.
For a few less bucks, they might find a job. In the meantime they’ll have to wait for the dubious ring tone “Call Me”.
Going Yard 