Astros shortstop Clint Barmes and outfielder Jason Michaels were among the 148 players to file for free agency Sunday morning.
The MLBPA released the names of the players.
Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes, C.J. Wilson, Carlos Beltran, David Ortiz, Jimmy Rollins, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Jonathan Broxton, Johnny Damon, Ryan Madson, Jonathan Papelbon, Magglio Ordonez, Roy Oswalt, Jorge Posada and Francisco Rodriguez represent some of the biggest names to file.
The labor agreement permits exclusive negotiating rights to a player's former team until this Thursday, Nov. 3 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Free agents can then negotiate and sign with any team.
The start of free agency was delayed for 24 hours after the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced the delay last Friday.
Teams have until Nov. 23 to offer salary arbitration to those who filed for free agency in order to receive draft picks as compensation -- if their player decides to sign a contract elsewhere.
Free agents offered salary arbitration have until Dec. 7 to accept.
Astros general manager Ed Wade told Examiner.com that he doesn't expect the club to be active this offseason regarding free agency.
It's unlikely the Astros re-sign Michaels, especially with the young depth of outfielders looking to earn roster spots for 2012.
Michaels hit .199 with two homers and 10 RBI in 89 games prior to undergoing season-ending surgery on a broken left hand.
The 35-year-old Michaels, a popular figure in the clubhouse, has played 11 major league seasons, including the last three with Houston.
Although Wade wants to re-sign Barmes, he expects it to be a challenge based on the organization's likelihood of lowering the payroll.
Plus, Barmes may generate a fair share of interest on the market.
Barmes hit .244 with 12 homers, 39 RBI, 27 doubles and 47 runs scored over 446 at-bats in 123 games for the Astros last season.
He represents a solid option for teams looking to improve at shortstop that don't possess the financial means to pursue Reyes or Rollins.
"Clint Barmes is a free agent," Wade said. "I think he's done a terrific job for us at shortstop. We'd love to have him back. I don't know if the economic environment is going to allow us to do that.
"We're going to have to pay attention to that."
Angel Sanchez and Matt Downs are potential internal options at shortstop if Barmes elects not to re-sign, as well as Jimmy Paredes, who's capable of playing third base, shortstop and second base.
If Chris Johnson reclaims his starting job at third base during Spring Training, the Astros may look into utilizing Paredes at shortstop.
Prospect Jonathan Villar needs more time to develop in the minors and will likely start next season at Double-A Corpus Christi.
"More than whether we are geared toward free agency or trades, it's a case of trying to identify the right players and giving them opportunities to be part of the core nucleus," Wade said.
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments