Minor League Free Agents (4)
Brett Harper - 1B Mets - Harper, a left-handed hitter, bounced back from a lost year in 2006 by hitting .296/.350/.500 in Double-A. Brian’s son has major league power and has displayed the ability to hit for average. Unfortunately, he’s 26 and he doesn’t have much more room for improvement. He’d probably fall short of being an adequate platoon first baseman or DH.
Joe Hietpas - RHP Mets - The Mets’ No. 3 catcher back in Sept. 2004, Hietpas is now trying to work his way back as a knuckleballer. Had a 2.47 ERA and a 22/9 K/BB ratio in 43 2/3 innings for Single-A St. Lucie.
Chris Narveson - LHP Cardinals - More arm troubles limited him to 12 starts in 2007, but Narveson pitched five scoreless innings this week in his Mexican League debut. He’d be decent rotation insurance if healthy.
Scott Patterson - RHP Yankees - 1.09 ERA, 45 hits allowed, 91/15 K/BB ratio in 74 1/3 innings in Double-A. The Yankees didn’t believe the indy league refugee’s stuff would translate to major league success, but he’s one minor league contract who could very well get a major league deal this winter. 6-foot-7 and deceptive, he might succeed as a middle reliever.
Matt Peterson - RHP Pirates - Former Mets prospect saved 29 games with a 1.98 ERA for Double-A Altoona. 50 hits allowed and a 56/27 K/BB ratio in 63 2/3 IP. Command might still be too much of an issue for him to be a useful major leaguer.
Jorge Piedra - OF Athletics - I think the 2005 steroid suspension is still being held against him. Former Rockies outfielder hit .336/.415/.543 in 265 AB for Triple-A Sacramento after the A’s gave him a minor league deal. He’s well worth carrying as a reserve outfielder/pinch-hitter.
Aaron Rakers - RHP Padres - Missed 2006 with a torn labrum and struggled to a 5.70 ERA in 79 innings for Triple-A Portland in his first year back. Quality splitter would make the ex-Oriole a solid reliever if his velocity comes back. It may not.
Ferdin Tejeda - RHP Yankees - A highly-touted shortstop who never learned to hit, Tejeda had a 2.55 ERA and a .203 average against for low Single-A Charleston in his first full season on the mound. He has the arm to make it as a reliever, though he lacks a strikeout breaking ball right now.
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