The Cold Stove Team: How Baseball's Forgotten Free Agents Could Form a Contender

We live in a world where talented players no longer get contracts they should.  This is a world in which, either organically or (more likely) through a bit of collusion, MLB teams have decided that the growing market value for top guys was getting a bit out of hand, so mega-contract may be a thing of the past.  Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still unsigned, and it is almost February.  A few teams have made overtures at them.  The rest of baseball has stayed away, waiting for the superstar dust to settle.  However, everyone seems to have forgotten completely about a sizable number of free agents.

These are players that can improve a team that is a few pieces away from contending.  They are guys that could put butts in seats for fan-bases who feel betrayed by owners tanking.  They are players who, for rebuilding teams, could be traded away at the deadline for valuable pieces.  To that end, I have put together a team of these forgotten players, and I think it could be pretty good.  So, no Harper or Machado, but everyone else is available.  The Cold Stove Warriors, hailing from whatever city you wish, could contend for a wild card or division title in the right situation.  Let's meet the team! (Note: as a National League fan, I have been a 25 man National League roster.  No DH.  Just plug in a bench guy for the DH if you choose).

Lineup:

1. Marwin Gonzalez, LF (S)
2. Adam Jones, CF (R)
3. Mike Moustakas 3B (L)
4. Mark Reynolds 1B (R)
5. Carlos Gonzalez RF (L)
6. Josh Harrison 2B (R)
7. Jose Iglesias SS (R)
8. Matt Wieters C (S)

Bench:

Lucas Duda 1B (L)
Nick Hundley C (R)
Derek Dietrich OF (L)
Andrew Romine SS (S)
Matt Davidson 1B/3B (R)

That lineup and bench is not bad at all.  It has excellent left/right balance.  It has position flexibility with Marwin Gonzalez, Mark Reynolds, and Josh Harrison, all of whom can move around the diamond on defense.  The bench has solid backups, and some guys like Dietrich and Davidson who could break out in the right situation.  I'd put that lineup up against some of the ones teams like the Orioles, Marlins, or Royals might have.  On to the pitching staff.

Rotation:

Dallas Keuchel (LHP)

Gio Gonzalez (LHP)

Clay Buchholz (RHP)

Wade Miley (LHP)

Jeremy Hellickson (RHP)

Bullpen:

Craig Kimbrel (RHP)*

Greg Holland (RHP)

Tyler Clippard (RHP)

Sergio Romo (RHP)

Nick Vincent (RHP)

Zach Duke (LHP)

Tony Sipp (LHP)

Again, a solid pitching staff, albeit heavy on the lefties.  Since we aren't spending money on the big named bats, we can afford to pay Keuchel and Kimbrel to anchor the staff and the bullpen.  Gio Gonzalez and Wade Miley helped guide the Brewers to the playoffs last season with solid play.  The bullpen, while not outstanding, is solid with a ton of experience.  

So there is it.  The Cold Stove Warriors.  A team of guys who should all have teams by this time of year.  Baseball's free agency is broken, and this collection of talent is proof of it.  Hopefully the superstars sign soon, so that we can end this silly charade.  All of these players are worthy of a spot on a major league roster or an invite to spring training.  Or, if someone feels like giving me enough money to start my own team, I will sign them.  I bet all the salaries would still fit under the luxury tax, since the only "big" names are Keuchel, Kimbrel, and Moustakas.  I'm sure Montreal would love to have this team.  Everyone should love to have these players on their team.  Baseball needs to make sure all of these guys find a team.