I'm leaving Roger Clemens and David Wells off the list because both will probably retire. None of these pitchers is likely to lead anybody to the World Series in 2008.
Bartolo Colon
Has had two injury filled years in 2006-2007. But he has the best career stats of any of the free agents under 40. Has a career record of 146-95 while pitching to just 89% of the league ERA (LERA) with a 2.3 K to BB ratio. He's a risk because of his injury problems but has the most upside of anybody available. The fact that he ranks number one shows just how weak the starting pitching free agents are.
Freddy Garcia
Missed most of last season after arm surgery. He too has great career stats with a lifetime record of 117-76 (.606) while pitching to 90% of the LERA and a 2.3 K to BB ratio. Without the arm surgery he'd rank number one. Big risk but big upside too depending on how healthy he is.
Carlos Silva
Career record of 55-46 (.545) while pitching to 98% of the LERA with a 2.3 K to BB ratio. Ranks this high because he's only 28. Getting out of the Dome in Minnesota could really help his career. He's the one guy you could take a shot with this year with a long-term deal.
Jon Lieber
Thirty-seven years old. Career record of 129-121 (.516) while pitching to 98% of the LERA with a fine 3.7 K to BB ratio. Starting pitcher who does not walk anybody. Had surgery last season to repair a ruptured foot tendon so he's an injury risk depending on how he comes back but has decent upside.
Tom Glavine
Won his 300th game last year for the Mets. Fine career stats of 303-199 record while pitching to just 84% of the LERA with a 1.8 K to BB ratio. He's 41 years old though and will probably only come back to pitch for the Atlanta Braves or New York Mets. Looks like he just signed with the Braves for $8 million.
Livan Hernandez
Supposedly 32 years of age but I think that's questionable. Has compiled a career record of 134-128 (.512) while pitching to 100% of the LERA with a 1.9 K to BB ratio. He'll eat up innings for you but his best days are probably behind him. Would still give him a shot at the right price.
Kenny Rogers
Has fine career stats but he's 43 years old and comes off an injury plagued year. Has pitched to 91% of the LERA in his career and compiled a 210-143 ( .595) record. But his K to BB ratio is just 1.7. I'd take a shot with him but only on a one year deal. Fired agent Scott Boras and will negotiate his next contract by himself.
Randy Wolf
Another pitcher coming off arm surgery. Wolf's career stats are decent though. He's pitched to 98% of the LERA and compiled a 78-66 record with a 2.2 K to BB ratio. He's a huge risk and has not completed a full season in 4 years but he can pitch a little when healthy.
Byung-Hyun Kim
Only 28 years old. Has a career losing record at 54-60 (.474) but has pitched to 94% of the LERA with a decent K to BB ratio of 2.1. In a lousy year he ranks in the top ten.
Kris Benson
Thirty-three years old and another pitcher who had season ending arm surgery last year. But he does have a career ERA that is below the LERA at 98%. Career record of just 68-73 (.482) with a 1.9 K to BB ratio. Big risk but does have a little bit of upside if he's healthy and his wife Anna is still pretty nice to look at.
One Pitcher Worth a Risk
John Thompson
If he's healthy. He does have a lousy career record of 63-85 (.426) but also has pitched to 97% of the LERA in career and has decent K to BB ratio of 2.2. Really bad year for pitchers.
Eight Pitchers to Forget About
Tony Armas
Has pitched to 106% of LERA and career record is 52-65.
Josh Fogg
Despite a 60-60 (.500) career record has pitched to 110% of LERA.
Jason Jennings
Lousy 1.5 K to BB ratio while pitching to 101% of LERA and losing record of 60-65 (.480).
Joe Kennedy
Career record of 43-61 (.414) while pitching to106% of LERA and 1.7 K to BB ratio. Might survive as reliever.
Kyle Lohse
Career record of 63-74 (.460) while pitching to 106% of LERA. Not worth paying him.
Odalis Perez
Career record of 66-70 (.485) while pitching to 106% of LERA.
Jeff Weaver
Decent K to BB ratio of 2.4 but record stands at 93-114 (.447) and has pitched to 108% of the LERA.
Kip Wells
Career record of 64- 91 (.421) while pitching.
