Melnick and Greco have a list of players that are out of options.

The list is here. Here are some thoughts on the list:

A’s: I like Dan Johnson a lot this year, lots of BA upside (xBA much higher than BA) and the power is still there. Ron Shandler has the “A-Rod path to stardom” theory, which essentially posits that certain players will get brought up with hype but will fail twice before hitting their stride. He is no A-Rod but he could easily be a top ten 1B this year.

Brewers: Gabe Gross is a good sleeper. Not that I am a scout, but I did see him hit two HRs last year in Philly against the Phils. He could be a cheap source of power as an “end of your roster” outfielder.

Cubs: I am not on the Geovany Soto bandwagon just yet. He never hit well anywhere except for last year, and was propped up by a 37% hit rate. Look at those minor league numbers and see that big downside. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid just yet.

Giants: Fred Lewis should be starting if there is any justice in the world. He is as much a symbol of organizational ennui more than anyone.

Royals: Justin Huber would be a perfect fit for the Yankees. The Royals have so badly mismanaged him that Huber alone was reason enough for Baird to be fired. As a Yankees fan I am hoping the Royals cut him loose and the Yankees grab him. He could hit like Ryan Garko right now. He is another guy that could end up on the Geronimo Berroa career path.

Twins: Boof Bonser is a nice bet to rebound. Thinking of him always makes me chuckle since about ten years ago in a league someone brought him up as the very first auctioned player though he hadn’t yet pitched in A ball. He had a second half slide last year, but the skills are still there and reports are that he has lost a lot of weight. I must have missed his stint on The Biggest Loser.