The beginning of the Free Agents

Ronnie Belliard and Scott Spiezio filed for free agency Monday, three days after helping the St. Louis Cardinals win their first World Series title since 1982. Cardinal’s pitcher Jason Marquis and backup infielder Jose Vizcaino, who were not on the World Series roster, also were among 39 players who filed, raising the free-agent total to 122. Cincinnati pitcher Paul Wilson filed conditionally, awaiting a decision by the team on its $3.75 million option. Also filing were CUBS: Third baseman Aramis Ramirez, Baltimore first baseman Kevin Millar, injured New York Yankees reliever Tanyon Sturtze. METS: relievers Roberto Hernandez, Guillermo and Mota Chad Bradford, filed along with pitcher Yusaku Iriki -- the only major leaguer to flunk a drug test this year. Iriki tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance during spring training, when he was on the major league roster. The Mets sent him to the minors, and he didn't pitch for New York this season. Iriki filed provisionally pending a decision by the Mets on their $1.5 million option, which likely will be declined… ¡LUCKY SEVEN! In the end, the Cardinals became the seventh different champ in seven years, a streak that began with the Yankees winning in 2000. That was the Yanks’ fourth title in five years. Perhaps history will be what it should be to that team, which is incredibly kind, because what they had is hard to quantify and harder yet to duplicate, no matter how much is spent in pursuit of that brew.
¡YANKEES! The Yankees, George Steinbrenner in particular, would seek another title by looking at the free agency’s list. George spends like no other owner in sports and that is not just to win in the regular season, he wants to win it all. The Yankees hasn’t been able to win their 27th World Series, it has been very hard the say as to get the out number 27.