2012 All-Free Agent Team

[Ben (Rays GM)]

Is it possible to build a team entirely through free agency?

Well, yes. But is it possible to build a good one?

I've compiled a list of every 2012 free agent signing (if I've missed any, or made any other errors, let me know). Using this list, try to build the best 20-man team you can (C, 1B, 2B, 3B, OF, OF, OF, DH, 5 SPs, 5 RPs, P) for $105 million or under. If you have extra money and want to use it to address the bench, feel free to do so, but you do not need to leave money for the bench, minors, or payroll flexibility. This is only for 2012, so don't worry about contract lengths or whether the player can become cost-controlled or anything like that. You're just trying to build the best possible team for this year using these players with these salaries.

Copy and paste the players' names directly from the list below, and include the team that signed him. I've listed players at only one position each, though many are eligible at multiple places. Feel free to use somebody who is likely to gain eligibility at a new position this season at that new position (Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera)

Catcher:
Mike Napoli 14.2 million (2012-2013) – MIN
Joe Mauer 13.6 million (2012-2015) – CHC
Brian McCann 12.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT
Yadier Molina 9.9 million (2012-2014) – HOU
Russell Martin 9.3 million (2012-2015) – ATL
Nick Hundley 5.5 million (2012) – SD
Ramon Hernandez 5.2 million (2012-2013) – COL
Ryan Doumit 2.8 million (2012) – WAS
Taylor Teagarden 2.3 million (2012) – TB
Rod Barajas 1.9 million (2012-2013) – TEX
Miguel Olivo 1.5 million (2012) – MIL
Kelly Shoppach 1.0 million (2012) – ATL
Jesus Flores 0.5 million (2012) – SD
Yorvit Torrealba 0.5 million (2012) – DET
David Ross 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Brayan Pena 0.4 million (2012) – KC

First Base:
Albert Pujols 28.8 million (2012-2014) – STL
Miguel Cabrera 27.6 million (2012-2015) – TB
Prince Fielder 23.8 million (2012-2015) – ARI
Adrian Gonzalez 23.8 million (2012-2015) – COL
Lance Berkman 11.4 million (2012) – LAD
Adam Dunn 11.4 million (2012-2013) – CHC
Jesus Guzman 5.2 million (2012) – TB
Adam LaRoche 5.0 million (2012) – LAA
Todd Helton 3.3 million (2012) – BOS
Aubrey Huff 3.1 million (2012) – MIL
Casey Kotchman 1.3 million (2012) – HOU
Eric Hinske 0.7 million (2012) – TEX
Juan Miranda 0.6 million (2012) – SF
Conor Jackson 0.5 million (2012) – ATL
Dmitri Young 0.4 million (2012) – SD

Second Base:
Robinson Cano 24.3 million (2012-2014) – SF
Ian Kinsler 21.2 million (2012-2015) – TEX
Michael Young 14.4 million (2012-2014) – NYM
Dan Uggla 14.4 million (2012-2014) – TOR
Rickie Weeks 14.1 million (2012-1015) – SEA
Brandon Phillips 12.8 million (2012-2015) – LAD
Howie Kendrick 12.6 million (2012-2014) – ARI
Kelly Johnson 8.1 million (2012-2013) – CIN
Omar Infante 6.1 million (2012-2013) – STL
Jamey Carroll 4.2 million (2012-2013) – ATL
Maicer Izturis 3.8 million (2012-2013) – TOR
Aaron Hill 3.8 million (2012-2015) – CHW
Orlando Hudson 2.5 million (2012) – HOU
Freddy Sanchez 2.5 million (2012-2014) – KC
Mark Ellis 1.9 million (2012-2013) – NYM
Jeff Baker 1.0 million (2012) – CHC
Jeff Keppinger 0.8 million (2012) – HOU
Adam Rosales 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Adam Kennedy 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Mike Fontenot 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

Third Base:
Jose Bautista 21.6 million (2012-2015) – CIN
David Wright 21.2 million (2012-2015) – BAL
Ryan Zimmerman 19.2 million (2012-2015) – TB
Alex Rodriguez 17.1 million (2012-2014) – CHW
Kevin Youkilis 10.8 million (2012-2013) – SEA
Placido Polanco 5.0 million (2012) – LAA
Chipper Jones 4.0 million (2012) – ATL
Edwin Encarnacion 4.0 million (2012) – SF
Chone Figgins 4.0 million (2012) – SF
Casey Blake 2.5 million (2012) – SF
Wilson Betemit 2.5 million (2012) – OAK

Shortstop:
Hanley Ramirez 17.6 million (2012-2015) – CHC
Stephen Drew 12.7 million (2012-2015) – OAK
J.J. Hardy 9.0 million (2012-2013) – ARI
Rafael Furcal 6.6 million (2012) – KC
Marco Scutaro 3.8 million (2012-2013) – CHC
Brendan Ryan 1.9 million (2012-2013) – HOU
Ryan Theriot 1.7 million (2012-2013) – LAD
Willie Bloomquist 0.8 million (2012) – DET
Mike McCoy 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

Outfield:
Andre Ethier 13.6 million (2012-2015) – MIA
Nick Markakis 12.7 million (2012-2015) – ATL
Jayson Werth 12.6 million (2012-2014) – MIA
Corey Hart 12.3 million (2012-2015) – LAA
Yoenis Cespedes 12.0 million (2012) – SD
Carlos Quentin 11.7 million (2012-2014) – ARI
B.J. Upton 11.2 million (2012-2015) – MIL
Torii Hunter 10.2 million (2012) – SEA
Grady Sizemore 8.5 million (2012) – WAS
Jeff Francoeur 8.5 million (2012-2013) – ARI
Jason Kubel 8.1 million (2012-2014) – NYM
Ichiro Suzuki 7.6 million (2012-2014) – PHI
Marlon Byrd 7.6 million (2012-2013) – STL
Melky Cabrera 7.2 million (2012-2013) – MIL
Josh Willingham 6.7 million (2012-2013) – LAD
Coco Crisp 5.4 million (2012-2013) – OAK
Norichika Aoki 4.5 million (2012) – PHI
Vernon Wells 4.0 million (2012-2013) – WAS
Alex Rios 3.6 million (2012-2013) – WAS
Tony Campana 3.0 million (2012) – SD
Franklin Gutierrez 2.7 million (2012-2014) – PHI
Bobby Abreu 2.5 million (2012) – HOU
Ryan Ludwick 2.3 million (2012-2013) – TEX
Cody Ross 2.0 million (2012) – SF
Nate McLouth 1.9 million (2012-2013) – TEX
Carlos Peguero 1.8 million (2012) – KC
Luke Scott 1.8 million (2012-2013) - LAD
Raul Ibanez 1.5 million (2012) - DET
Bryan Petersen 1.5 million (2012) – SD
Craig Gentry 1.0 million (2012) – SD
Jerry Hairston 1.0 million (2012) – ATL
Magglio Ordonez 1.0 million (2012) – BAL
Johnny Damon 1.0 million (2012) – CHC
Andruw Jones 0.8 million (2012) – NYY
Endy Chavez 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Mark DeRosa 0.4 million (2012) – CHC
Rick Ankiel 0.4 million (2012) – SD

Designated Hitter:
Travis Hafner 2.8 million (2012) – LAD
Vladimir Guerrero 1.0 million (2012) – NYM

Starting Pitcher:
Justin Verlander 24.6 million (2012-2015) – COL
Roy Halladay 22.9 million (2012-2015) – CHW
Felix Hernandez 21.3 million (2012-2015) – MIL
Yu Darvish 19.5 million (2012-2015) – PHI
Zack Greinke 19.2 million (2012-2015) – TB
Matt Cain 18.7 million (2012-2015) – TEX
Cole Hamels 17.0 million (2012-2015) – NYY
Jon Lester 16.5 million (2012-2015) – BOS
Jered Weaver 16.0 million (2012-2014) – MIL
Dan Haren 14.4 million (2012-2014) – MIN
James Shields 13.1 million (2012-2015) – TEX
C.J. Wilson 12.6 million (2012-2013) – LAD
Wandy Rodriguez 10.0 million (2012) – SF
Chad Billingsley 7.6 million (2012-2015) – TEX
Brandon McCarthy 7.2 million (2012-2014) – ARI
Gavin Floyd 6.8 million (2012-2015) – CHC
Jonathan Sanchez 6.6 million (2012-2013) – TEX
Wei-Yin Chen 6.5 million (2012) – PHI
Jake Peavy 6.3 million (2012-2014) – NYM
Tsuyoshi Wada 6.0 million (2012) – PHI
Randy Wolf 5.5 million (2012) – PIT
Kyle Lohse 5.5 million (2012) – PIT
Erik Bedard 5.4 million (2012-2014) – PHI
Hisashi Iwakuma 4.5 million (2012) – PHI
Paul Maholm 4.5 million (2012-2013) – WAS
Derek Lowe 4.2 million (2012) – WAS
Carl Pavano 3.8 million (2012-2013) – TEX
A.J. Burnett 3.6 million (2012-2013) – LAD
R.A. Dickey 3.5 million (2012) – LAA
Ted Lilly 3.4 million (2012-2014) - CHC
Bruce Chen 3.3 million (2012-2013) – CHC
Joe Saunders 2.9 million (2012-2013) – MIL
Chien Ming Wang 2.7 million (2012-2013) – WAS
Freddy Garcia 2.0 million (2012) – SF
Jason Marquis 2.0 million (2012) – SD
Charlie Morton 1.9 million (2012-2013) – PIT
Bartolo Colon 1.9 million (2012) – KC
Jason Hammel 1.9 million (2012) – SEA
Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF
Tom Gorzelanny 1.5 million (2012) – DET
Roberto Heredia (Fausto Carmona) 1.4 million (2012) – DET
Kevin Correia 1.3 million (2012) – CHC
Joe Blanton 1.3 million (2012) – MIL
Joel Pineiro 1.2 million (2012) – BAL
Rich Harden 1.1 million (2012) – CHC
Kevin Millwood 1.1 million (2012) – HOU
Livan Hernandez 1.0 million (2012) – CHC
Jerome Williams 1.0 million (2012) – MIN
Javier Vazquez 0.9 million (2012) – LAD
Chris Young 0.9 million (2012) – CHC
Micah Owings 0.8 million (2012) – MIA
Henry Sosa 0.7 million (2012) - CHC
Jeff Francis 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

Relief Pitcher:
Jonathon Papelbon 13.6 million (2012-2015) – CHW
Heath Bell 11.6 million (2012-2013) – STL
Carlos Marmol 11.6 million (2012-2013) – PIT
Sean Marshall 10.0 million (2012-2014) – STL
Matt Capps 9.0 million (2012-2013) – DET
Joe Nathan 8.5 million (2012) – HOU
Huston Street 7.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT
Ryan Madson 7.2 million (2012-2014) – MIN
Rafael Betancourt 7.0 million (2012) – ATL
Kyle Farnsworth 6.5 million (2012) – CLE
Jose Valverde 5.9 million (2012) – PHI
Jim Johnson 5.7 million (2012-2013) – OAK
Frank Francisco 5.0 million (2012) – SF
Rafael Soriano 4.2 million (2012-2014) – ATL
Matt Thornton 4.0 million (2012) – SF
Jonathan Broxton 3.8 million (2012-2013) – OAK
Jon Rauch 3.0 million (2012) – DET
Joel Zumaya 2.9 million (2012-2013) – MIL
Al Alburquerque 2.7 million (2012-2014) – ATL
Josh Spence 2.3 million (2012-2013) – PIT
Kerry Wood 2.0 million (2012) – ARI
Jesse Crain 1.9 million (2012-2013) – COL
Octavio Dotel 1.9 million (2012-2013) – COL
Scott Downs 1.9 million (2012-2013) – PHI
Kevin Gregg 1.9 million (2012) – WAS
Brad Lincoln 1.9 million (2012-2013) – CHC
Marco Estrada 1.6 million (2012) – PIT
Bryan Shaw 1.6 million (2012) – COL
Sean Burnett 1.5 million (2012) – WAS
Santiago Casilla 1.4 million (2012-2014) – NYM
Cory Wade 1.1 million (2012) – NYM
Carlos Villanueva 1.1 million (2012) – CHC
Fernando Rodney 1.0 million (2012) – ATL
Brian Fuentes 1.0 million (2012) – BOS
Darren Oliver 0.9 million (2012) – WAS
Steve Cishek 0.7 million (2012) – TB
Fernando Rodriguez 0.7 million (2012) – NYM
Manny Corpas 0.7 million (2012) – CHC
Mike MacDougal 0.6 million (2012) – TEX
Matt Guerrier 0.6 million (2012) – BOS
Joe Paterson 0.6 million (2012) – DET
Collin Balester 0.5 million (2012) – COL
Brandon Gomes 0.4 million (2012) – TB
Bobby Cassevah 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Rich Thompson 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
Hisanori Takahashi 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

[Ben (Rays GM)]

My 2012 All-Free Agent Team:

C: Brian McCann 12.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT

1B: Todd Helton 3.3 million (2012) – BOS

2B: Kelly Johnson 8.1 million (2012-2013) – CIN

3B: Kevin Youkilis 10.8 million (2012-2013) – SEA

SS: Marco Scutaro 3.8 million (2012-2013) – CHC

OF: Jose Bautista 21.6 million (2012-2015) – CIN

OF: Ichiro Suzuki 7.6 million (2012-2014) – PHI

OF: Craig Gentry 1.0 million (2012) – SD

DH: Vladimir Guerrero 1.0 million (2012) – NYM

SP: James Shields 13.1 million (2012-2015) – TEX

SP: Chad Billingsley 7.6 million (2012-2015) – TEX

SP: Gavin Floyd 6.8 million (2012-2015) – CHC

SP: Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF

SP: Joe Blanton 1.3 million (2012) – MIL

RP: Joe Paterson 0.6 million (2012) – DET

RP: Marco Estrada 1.6 million (2012) – PIT

RP: Steve Cishek 0.7 million (2012) – TB

RP: Rich Thompson 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

RP: Brandon Gomes 0.4 million (2012) – TB

P: Rich Harden 1.1 million (2012) – CHC

Total: 104.9 million

I knew I wanted to build my team around a single elite talent, and Bautista was the cheapest first-round talent available. I also definitely wanted McCann, Shields, Billingsley, and Floyd at those contracts. So I started with those five, and built from there. Not too happy with my outfield, but didn't have a ton of money left by the time I got to it.

[yellomellojello]

2012 All-Free Agent Team:

C: Brian McCann 12.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT
1B: Lance Berkman 11.4 million (2012) – LAD
2B: Kelly Johnson 8.1 million (2012-2013) – CIN
3B: Edwin Encarnacion 4.0 million (2012) – SF
SS: Marco Scutaro 3.8 million (2012-2013) – CHC
OF: B.J. Upton 11.2 million (2012-2015) – MIL
OF: Alex Rios 3.6 million (2012-2013) – WAS
OF: Cody Ross 2.0 million (2012) – SF
DH: Josh Willingham 6.7 million (2012-2013) – LAD

SP: James Shields 13.1 million (2012-2015) – TEX
SP: Brandon McCarthy 7.2 million (2012-2014) – ARI
SP: Gavin Floyd 6.8 million (2012-2015) – CHC
SP: Ted Lilly 3.4 million (2012-2014) - CHC
SP: Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF

RP: Frank Francisco 5.0 million (2012) – SF
RP: Cory Wade 1.1 million (2012) – NYM
RP: Carlos Villanueva 1.1 million (2012) – CHC
RP: Steve Cishek 0.7 million (2012) – TB
RP: Rich Thompson 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

P: Javier Vazquez 0.9 million (2012) – LAD

Total: 104.6 million

I don't like the idea of having gaps in my lineup, so I started out with the cheapest players at each position I would be comfortable with and upgraded from there. Encarnacion, Scutaro, Ross, and Rios should all be solid despite being very cheap, and I quite like my pitching staff.

[Smitty (Mets GM)]

C: Nick Hundley 5.5 million (2012) – SD
1B: Michael Young 14.4 million (2012-2014) – NYM
2B: Rickie Weeks 14.1 million (2012-1015) – SEA
3B: Alex Rodriguez 17.1 million (2012-2014) – CHW
SS: Rafael Furcal 6.6 million (2012) – KC
OF: Melky Cabrera 7.2 million (2012-2013) – MIL
OF: Alex Rios 3.6 million (2012-2013) – WAS
OF: Endy Chavez 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
DH: Vladimir Guerrero 1.0 million (2012) - NYM

SP: Chad Billingsley 7.6 million (2012-2015) – TEX
SP: Jake Peavy 6.3 million (2012-2014) – NYM
SP: Gavin Floyd 6.8 million (2012-2015) – CHC
SP: Ted Lilly 3.4 million (2012-2014) - CHC
SP: R.A. Dickey 3.5 million (2012) – LAA

RP: Brian Fuentes 1.0 million (2012) – BOS
RP: Kevin Gregg 1.9 million (2012) – WAS
RP: Bobby Cassevah 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
RP: Rich Thompson 0.4 million (2012) – NYM
RP: Bryan Shaw 1.6 million (2012) – COL

P: Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF

Total: 104.3 million

Fun. Took some meddling, but I got it there. Lots of different combinations.
Just like my real lineup, this one relies heavily on Vlad seeing some AB's. Will somebody please sign him already? Once he does, should be great value at 1.0 million. And although he doesn't figure into my OF plans, if Endy Chavez can see over 100 games in Baltimore this year, .280 AVG and 20 steals for 0.4 million would be nothing to sneeze at.

[Tucker (Padres GM)]

C: Brian McCann 12.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT

1B: Todd Helton 3.3 million (2012) – BOS

2B: Kelly Johnson 8.1 million (2012-2013) – CIN

3B: Chipper Jones 4.0 million (2012) – ATL

SS: Marco Scutaro 3.8 million (2012-2013) – CHC

OF: Alex Rios 3.6 million (2012-2013) – WAS

OF: Ichiro Suzuki 7.6 million (2012-2014) – PHI

OF: Cody Ross 2.0 million (2012) – SF

DH: Aubrey Huff 3.1 million (2012) – MIL

SP: James Shields 13.1 million (2012-2015) – TEX

SP: Jered Weaver 16.0 million (2012-2014) – MIL

SP: Dan Haren 14.4 million (2012-2014) – MIN

SP: Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF

SP: Gavin Floyd 6.8 million (2012-2015) – CHC

RP: Joe Paterson 0.6 million (2012) – DET

RP: Kevin Gregg 1.9 million (2012) – WAS

RP: Steve Cishek 0.7 million (2012) – TB

RP: Rich Thompson 0.4 million (2012) – NYM

RP: Brandon Gomes 0.4 million (2012) – TB

P: Rich Harden 1.1 million (2012) – CHC

Total: 104.9 million

I had a pretty hard time getting this the way i wanted. I wanted to be some what decent at every position, but better than average with my rotation.

[angels]

Brian McCann 12.6 million (2012-2014) – PIT
Adam LaRoche 5.0 million (2012) – LAA
Howie Kendrick 12.6 million (2012-2014) – ARI
Alex Rodriguez 17.1 million (2012-2014) – CHW
Corey Hart 12.3 million
Yoenis Cespedes 12 million
Raul Ibanez 1.5 million
Travis Hafner 2.8 million

Paul Maholm 4.5 million
Bartolo Colon 1.9 million
Jonathan Sanchez 6.6 million
Javior Vasquez .9 million
Ted Lilly 3.4 million

Jose Valverde 5.9 million
Kevin Gregg 1.9 million
Darren Oliver .9 million
Frank Francisco 5.0 million
Jon Rauch 3.0 million

Rich Harden 1.1 million

Figured I would go after hitting and have a good bullpen with a couple of closers. Plus I took some SP's who were cheap and could when me a category or two

[Alex (Nationals GM)]

C- Ramon Hernandez 5.2 million (2012-2013) – COL
1B- Adrian Gonzalez 23.8 million (2012-2015) – COL
2B- Howie Kendrick 12.6 million (2012-2014) – ARI
3B- Edwin Encarnacion 4.0 million (2012) – SF
SS- J.J. Hardy 9.0 million (2012-2013) – ARI
OF- B.J. Upton 11.2 million (2012-2015) – MIL
OF- Raul Ibanez 1.5 million (2012) - DET
OF- Alex Rios 3.6 million (2012-2013) – WAS
Utility- Vladimir Guerrero 1.0 million (2012) – NYM


Wandy Rodriguez 10.0 million (2012) – SF
Chad Billingsley 7.6 million (2012-2015) – TEX
Joe Blanton 1.3 million (2012) – MIL
Jason Hammel 1.9 million (2012) – SEA
Chris Capuano 1.5 million (2012) – SF

Jose Valverde 5.9 million
Brandon Gomes 0.4 million (2012) – TB
Sean Burnett 1.5 million (2012) – WAS
Santiago Casilla 1.4 million (2012-2014) – NYM
Bryan Shaw 1.6 million (2012) – COL

105.0 Million exactly. Like the lineup a lot with plenty of power from Adrian Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick, JJ Hardy, Encarnacion, and Upton with Speed from Upton and Rios. All strike out pitchers except for hammel who's at least somewhat consistent and a good cheap but effective bullpen