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July 25, 2008 7:30:59 AM CDT

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Free Agency Loses Some of Its Luster

Posted Apr 16, 08 1:55 PM CDT in Sports 

(Newser) – Veteran baseball players of varying skill levels have been finding it harder to secure the contracts they used to pull in on name recognition alone, leaving plenty of big names unsigned and plenty more playing at cut rates. The New York Sun looks into just why Jeff Weaver is in the minors and David Wells, Mike Piazza, and Kenny Lofton can't find work.

It could be collusion—an illegal and unlikely answer—or it could be that management strategies have reached a tipping point. Instead of overpaying veteran free agents on the decline, clubs are grabbing comparable new talent at a similar price. Plenty of teams could still use the arms of Livan Hernandez and Kyle Lohse, but not at the prime rates of yesteryear.

Source New York Sun

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Mike Piazza hits a two-run homer for the Oakland Athletics in 2007. Though he's still posting good numbers, the free agent has been passed over this season.   (AP Photo/Francis Specker)
Seattle Mariners pitcher Jeff Weaver walks off the field on Sept. 2, 2007. The veteran was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers - and sent immediately to the minor leagues.   (AP Photo/Frank Gunn)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Livan Hernandez was only signed in February. Hernandez, who pitched six innings giving up one run on four hits, got the win.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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MLB  • baseball  • Livan Hernandez  • David Wells  • Kyle Lohse  • Mike Piazza  • free agency  • free agent signings


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