http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/681 Recent articles about Bob Wickman en-us Spring training officially begins tomorrow, albeit only pitchers and catchers reporting. Even with teams gearing up for the regular season there are still plenty of options on the free agent market for teams looking to fill a void, create competition, or build depth. I decided to give some of these lonesome hobos a job and assemble my own ensemble. That's right, I'm starting an expansion franchise named the Salt Lake Serpents (ironic?). My infield is a bit weak, but my outfield has a good mix of speed and pop. In the rotation I've got some innings eaters, and in the bullpen I've got many has-beens. Some are old and brittle, many are long past primes, but they're just the type of crusty veterans I'm looking for...did I mention my payroll is only $35 million? Salt Lake Serpents 25-man roster: Starting Lineup: RF- Kenny Lofton LF- Shannon Stewart 1B- Shawn Green (also backup outfielder) DH- Sammy Sosa (also backup outfielder) C- Mike Piazza CF- Corey Patterson 3B- Tony Graffinino SS- Royce Clayton 2B- Jerry Hairston Jr. Bench: Greg Norton (corner infield and outfield), Neifi Perez (infield), Damian Miller (catcher), and Russel Branyan (corner outfield and infield) Rotation: Kyle Lohse, Josh Fogg, Jeff Weaver, Bartolo Colon, and Odalis Perez (lefty influence) Bullpen: Bob Wickman as closer, Armando Benitez, Shawn Chacon, Antonio Alfonseca, swingman Byung-Hyun Kim, and lefties Ron Villone and Mike Myers Think I can challenge the Orioles or Pirates? Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:58:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/140683 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/140683 The talented RotoRob, from RotoRob.com weighs in on free agency and the impact on fantasy baseball. In Part III of his ongoing series, he touches on the Diamondbacks free agents and their chances to return to sedona red: Jeff Cirillo: The BoSox are seeking a role player to replace Eric Hinske and Cirillo could fit the Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:20:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/43504 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/43504 The MLB free agency period has officially began. Fifty-seven players filed papers to become free agents Monday. Big names on the list include: Barry Bonds, Torii Hunter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Kerry Wood, Trot Nixon, Shawn Green, Paul Lo Duca, and Shannon Stewart. Check out the entire list. Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:54:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/33508 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/33508 Well, it's that time of year to evaluate and see how you did when you put together those mighty draft lists. Here's a look at those guys who just didn't get it done!!! Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:28:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/30358 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/30358 Two weeks ago, we had our D-backs Insider Michael Schwartz, Associate Reporter for Dbacks.com, come on the show for the first time. This week, we recap everything that has happened in the last two weeks and discuss the D-backs amazing 6 game surge. Michael gives us the inside knowledge that we need and crave. Now let's do this: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:33:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/26883 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/26883 According to azcentral.com relief pitcher Bob Wickman who was cut by the Atlanta Braves after converting 20 of 26 save opportunities has signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the remainder of the season. Wickman was 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA in 42 appearances. Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:43:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/26315 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/26315 Phillies' young All Star Cole Hamels and Atlanta's Chuck James each gave up 4 runs in the 1st inning before they both recovered to battle each other for the next 5 innings, neither giving up another hit for the duration of their outing, before Hamels narrowly won the battle of lefties on points as the Phillies edged the Braves on Friday in their series opener by a 5-4 score. Phillies starter Adam Eaton has proven a huge disappointment being pounded in yet another start, this time failing to get an out in the 4th inning. But after getting to Braves starter Lance Cormier for a solo homer by shortstop Jimmy Rollins in the 3rd inning, and 3 no-out runs in the 5th, the Phillies' bats went to sleep for the remainder of the game, except for centerfielder Aaron Rowand's solo shot in 8th inning as Atlanta slipped by the Phillies by a 7-5 score. Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:18:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/23257 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/23257 Act quickly! With all of the deadline deals, your fantasy closers may not be closing anymore and you will need to make moves before someone else does. Here's the rundown. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:06:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/21719 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/21719 Talking a look ahead at the end of year Baseball Free Agents. The list is sorted out by Teams.. Some big names going on the market. Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:54:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/19125 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/19125 Humorous facts that are about as true as everything you read about Chuck Norris. A funny read even if only because someone took the time to make Bob Wickman sound cool. Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:36:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/11042 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/11042 There are some bargains here. Chuck James and Brian McCann are set to make $327,000 and $333,000, respectively, but then there are Mike Hampton and Bob Wickman. Those two will combine for over 20% of the team's $80 million salary. OUCH! The braves are an interesting team. Plenty of young talent to compete, but not enough healthy/productive vets to carry them through the long 162 game season. They'll fall short of the playoffs again this year. Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:08:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/10442 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/10442 It could be argued that Mike Gonzalez was the best closer in 2006. So why no love? Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:37:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/8662 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/8662 Here's a breakdown on how each team in the NL acquired their current closer. It's amazing how many stoppers were free agents or arrived via a blockbuster trade. Only two players who are now closing have spent their entire career with just that team...and they were both 1st round selections. Maybe it's not as easy as people think to develop a closer. Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:48:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/4230 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/4230 Bob Wickman signed a 1-year deal to return to the Braves next year. Wickman has saved 15 games and held a 1.19 ERA since moving from Cleveland. Yes, you're correct: this is the only thing that went well for Atlanta this year. Thu, 21 Sep 2006 02:06:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/2549 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/2549 I've gotta tell you, I did not see this one coming. The Braves traded minor league catcher Mike Ramirez (ATLs #20 Prospect [Baseball America]) for the 37 year old Wickman to no doubt take over closing duties. Looks like Shuerholz is going for the wild card...Can't wait to see who closes in CLE but the odds are that Fausto Carmona will be the favorite...PICK HIM UP! Thu, 20 Jul 2006 19:13:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/716 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/716