Available pitchers left on the market

By David
Kaye

As the baseball off season slowly comes to an end, many players are still looking for work.

The Colorado Rockies are always in the market for starting pitching, and if Brian Lawrence gets his wish he will be part of Colorado's starting rotation this Spring. The former San Diego Padre is patiently awaiting a decision by the Rockies. In three Major League seasons Lawrence has a record of 49 and 61 to go along with a 4.10 ERA.

It appears that right hander Jeff Weaver will not be signing with the Mets this off season. After being part of the St.Louis team that defeated the Mets in the NLCS, the 8 year veteran is ''highly unlikely'' to sign with the defending NL East champions.

Omar Minaya and the Mets will be forced to continue their path of finding another quality starter. With Pedro Martinez out until mid season, New York must go with a shaky starting five. Minaya has the money to shell out, but he is yet to find the right guy. I envision the Mets acquiring a proven starting pitcher via a trade. Unfortunately, the Mets are more than likely going to have to part ways with their top prospect Lastings Milledge.

After adding two starters to their pitching staff this Winter[Freddy Garcia and Adam Eaton], the Philadelphia Phillies have a surplus of arms. The player that they would like to trade away is veteran Jon Lieber. At the age of 36, Lieber would be a fine addition to a team in need of a number four or five starter. Several clubs including the Rangers, Brewers, and Padres have called to ask about trading for the former second round pick out of South Alabama.

Lastly, the deal to send Randy Johnson back to the Diamondbacks was finalized yesterday. The 43 year old signed a two-year deal worth a comfortable $26 million. The Big Unit will make $4 million this season, $10 million in 2008, and the last $12 million is counted in as a signing bonus.

Consider the fact that Johnson is receiving the $12 million bonus after posting an ERA of 5 , and most recently having back surgery. What happened to the day when your salary was based on performance and not your track record?