Bar has been set, so let the spending begin

The forecast for this year's free-agent starters is sunny and raining dollars. Here's the rundown, from the priciest to the most affordable.

Originally Published: December 1, 2006
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com
Adam Eaton, the pride of Snohomish, Wash., made a lot of people happy when he agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies this week. And this was before he passed his physical exam.

When Eaton signed off on a three-year, $24.5 million deal with an option for a fourth year, his fellow pitchers and their agents rejoiced. The corresponding response, naturally, was a negative one from executives who viewed it as a springboard to fiscal insanity.

"He's a latter-day Kris Benson," an American League executive said, "except that he's not healthy and he doesn't have Kris Benson's track record."


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Jerry Crasnick | email

ESPN.com MLB Sr. Writer
  • ESPN.com senior writer
  • Author of "License to Deal"
  • Former Denver Post national baseball writer

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