Free Agent Checklist

I'm going to try a new segment here on Rotonomics and you guys can tell me what you think. Basically, I'll check out the free agent batters list as provided by ESPN, and after browsing the Percent Owned travesties, I'll throw out a few names for discussion. The key word in that sentence is "discussion" with "travesties" coming in at a close second because it doesn't look right.

Chris Davis: I'm complained about him not being owned before, and while 83% isn't too shabby, I still think half the leagues that don't own him probably should. The guy has 11 bombs in 142 AB and he plays in Texas. Twenty-five percent of his fly balls have been homeruns! Sure, the average isn't real, but given the likelihood of another 142 ABs this season, he should easily reach 20 HRs. The average should decline given his low LD%, but he could be the difference in homeruns or RBIs.

Alex Gordon: At 68% owned, more teams are playing Casey Blake than Alex Gordon. Gordon came on strong last season, smacking eight of his fifteen homers in August and September. The Royals offense is a work in progress, but given the talent that progress could come pretty quickly, and I like Gordon to be at the center of it.

Lastings Milledge: Milledge has hit .293 over the past 30 days, and is batting .419 in August with four dingers so far. He's a poor man's Matt Kemp, representing a toolsy outfielder. However, he's owned in only 39% of leagues, and isn't getting the respect he deserves.

Adam Lind: Lind batting cleanup is all you need to know. His OPS in the last thirty days sits at .961, and he's hit .348 since being recalled from Triple A. Once Vernon Wells returns he will probably moved down a spot, but that offense could click quickly and Lind should be owned in more than the current 32% of league.

Billy Butler: Butler (23%) represents exactly what Davis does; cheap homerun potential on a developing offense. If the Royals were close to the Rangers, I would probably like Butler more due to his savant-like nature with a bat. Still, he's barely owned and should be considered.

And I'll toss up a few more names worth considering: Jim Edmonds, if only for all the games at Wrigley he will see in August, and Jesus Flores, if only for the scarcity of backstops this season.