Orlando Cabrera – .264/.306/.383 – .241

There are a number of equal and opposite forces tugging on the direction of the Cabrera debate. On the one hand, Cabrera showed some great promise in the playoffs. On the other hand, he had a poor season overall. On the one hand, Cabrera appeared to play great defense for the Red Sox. On the other hand, his advanced defensive numbers show that he is merely average with the glove. On the one hand, Cabrera had a great offensive season in 2003 but on the other, his 2002-2004 OPS number is just .725.

Cabrera turned down a 4-year, $30MM deal from Montreal earlier this season and with his current status as World Champ, you can bet he will be looking for even more. On two levels, it just doesn’t make any sense for the Sox to sign him. First, there is the matter of Hanley Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia both very much on pace to be in Boston by 2006. Second, I don’t think Cabrera is worth the money he is undoubtedly going to get on the open market. When there is a good chance you can be getting Cabrera-type production for $320,000.00 in 2006, you don’t commit $35MM to Cabrera in 2004.

Edgar Renteria – .287/.327/.401 – .255

So much of what applies to Cabrera also applies to Renteria. Renteria had something of a down year in 2004 after posting a .330/.392/.480 line and 75.3 VORP in 2003. I imagine simply because of his raw ability and athleticism, teams will be willing to bet that a replication of his 2003 would not be out of the question.

Again, it just doesn’t make any sense to throw big money at him because of the particulars of Boston’s situation.

Nomar Garciaparra – .308/.365/.477 – .285

The best of the bunch when healthy, Garciaparra claims he is willing to take a one-year deal. Still, I just can’t see it happening.

I will come up with an actual recommendation of sorts later tonight.

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