MLB Buyers Regret

June 15th is the first day that a MLB team can trade a free agent they signed last off-season. Here's a look at some of the free agents who signed last winter but who could be on the trading block before the official first day of summer.

- Tony Armas signed a one-year $2.1 million deal with Washington and this is not a case of the Nationals being unhappy with Armas and his 6-3 record and 3.48 ERA - this is a case of the Nationals recognizing that they are out of contention and hoping to capitalize in the dearth of quality starters available prior to the trading deadline.

- Jeromy Burnitz signed a one-year $6.7 million contract with the Pirates. Getting more than half of that money back must be enticing to the Pirates and a team like the Yankees with both Matsui and Sheffield on the shelf could use some outfield depth.

- Scott Elarton signed a 2-year $8 million contract with the Royals. He's not having a good season (1-7 with a 5.09 ERA) but the reality is that his ERA is just below his career average of 5.10. This may be a case of the Royals having buyers regret but not being able to move the mistake signing.

- Roberto Hernadez signed a one-year $2.75 million contract with the Pirates. Hernandez is a former top closer past his prime but still getting the job done as a set up man (2.30 ERA in 27 innings this season).

- Estaban Loaiza signed a 3-year $21 million contract with the A's. At the time of the signing my first thought was "what the fuck is Billy Beane thinking?" Now with Loaiza being a bust (1-3 with a 6.39 ERA in just 5 starts) I'm still wondering "what the fuck was Billy Beane thinking?" My guess is that Beane could do a bit of bait and switch with Loaiza. He'll have people calling about Barry Zito (who is back to top form) but if Beane asks for the world for Zito - he can turn around and say "for a lot less you can have Loaiza who just needs a change of scenery." Some team will be desperate enough for an innings eater to maybe bite on the trade pitch.

- Ramon Ortiz signed a one-year $2.5 million deal with the Nationals At 5-4 with a 4.83 ERA - Ortiz is basically the National League version of Scott Elarton.

- Scott Sauerbeck signed a one-year $1.2 million contract with the Indians but between his late night driving exploits and his 6.23 ERA - a change of scenery may be in the cards for Sauerbeck. EDIT - Sauerbeck was released yesterday. Looks like his change of scenery will be the unemployment line

- JT Snow signed a one-year $2.1 million contract with the Red Sox but because of the emergence of Kevin Youkilis at first - the at-bats and opportunity just hasn't been there for Snow. Somebody will need a veteran gold glove caliber first baseman.

- Jeff Weaver signed a one-year $8.4 million contract with the Angels (how does Scott Boras do it?). I'm guessing there is significant buyers regret on the part of the Angels and I'm betting that Weaver is already being dangled.