MLB Spring Training, Who's there and Who Ain't

Spring training is starting and people are looking at the Phillies' amazing new rotation, or the Red Sox's amazing new lineup, but I am focused on something else; the people who will not be showing up this week for spring training. That's right, there are still quite a few free agents left who I feel deserve a chance to at least compete for a spot in the upcoming season. Of the list of remaining free agents, I have compiled the top ten left; in my opinion.

#10-Kevin Millwood-Sure, his ERA has been over 5.00 the last few seasons, but it is hard to believe someone with the career he has had and the durability he would bring, remains unsigned. Someone needs to give him a shot even if it is only a minor league deal. With Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz all retired now, he is the only active player from that 90s rotation.

#9. Bengie Molina-He is another old timer who I thought would be one of the first catchers to be signed, considering he played for both World Series teams last year as a starter. I hope he gets a deal somewhere, unless he decides to retire, which there are rumors of.

#8. Chad Durbin-He has greatly improved over the last few seasons and would be a great help to any bullpen. He will definitely be signed at some point in the next few months.

#7. Scott Podsednik-Opted out of his contract probably thinking he could get more money, but once again he is looking for a team. He has been rumored towards signing with the Angels for over a month now and with not many other free agents left, I am surprised he has not.

#6. Christian Guzman-This former all-star faded quickly after being traded last year to the Rangers and failed to even make their postseason roster. Perhaps he will get a minor league deal and earn his way back to the Majors. He definitely will be back one day.

#5. Troy Glaus-The former slugger proved he could at least be a backup after a solid season last year. A team needing a bat off the bench should sign him.

#4. David Eckstein-An example of someone who has worked hard to stay around and had a decent season last year. Maybe the biggest surprise of this list.

#3. Jeremy Bonderman-Is but 28 and out to prove injuries have not completely derailed his career. Rumors had him going to Cleveland, hopefully he'll get a chance to resurrect his game.

#2. Nick Johnson-Was hurt almost all of last year, but if he could stay healthy, he would be among the top 10 offensive first baseman in the league. Injuries are not his best friend.

#1. Russell Branyan-One of my favorite players who despite not being great defensively, still has some power after hitting 25 home runs in only a little over 400 at bats last year. He deserves to be a first baseman or DH somewhere.

Well, there are others who did not make the list or a roster, but we might see this season still such as Willie Aybar, Julio Lugo, John Maine, Scot Shields, Mike Sweeney and Jeff Weaver. So the sooner someone signs these guys, the sooner the unemployment rate goes down.