It’s the Bid League

The handcuffs came off eager general managers late Thursday night, marking the beginning of what is expected to be the most costly and intense pursuit of free agents in baseball history.

Teams were given a 15-day window after the World Series to negotiate with their own free agents; other clubs were permitted to contact only players’ representatives to express interest. The mandatory hands-off period ended at 9:01 p.m. PST Thursday night, and bidding is now open to everyone, so things figure to get interesting.

This free-agent class is considered among the most powerful ever, featuring several potential franchise players as well as talented second-tier performers. The Dodgers and, for a change, the Angels plan to be big factors in a market that, typically, will be too expensive for some to enter.

“Based on some things that have already happened, and some things that probably will happen, let’s just say a lot of people will be busy,” Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone said. “There obviously are some very talented players available out there, players who could help any team, and everyone knows who they are.”

Heading the free-agent class are pitchers Kevin Brown and Randy Johnson; first baseman Mo Vaughn, center fielder Bernie Williams and left fielder Albert Belle. Catcher Mike Piazza decided not to join the “A-list group” when he recently signed a seven-year, $91-million contract--baseball’s biggest--to remain with the New York Mets.

“Piazza’s contract, as well as some others, are certainly indicators of the upward mobility of baseball compensation economics,” agent Jeff Moorad said. “There obviously is a significant upward push, and this year’s class is going to see a direct benefit.”

Those in the second pack include pitchers Todd Stottlemyre and Mark Gardner, infielders Roberto Alomar, Robin Ventura and Scott Brosius, the World Series MVP; and outfielders Jose Canseco, Eric Davis, Henry Rodriguez and Brian Jordan. Plenty of high-profile players who might provide big-time help, and the action is already in gear.

“This is the most aggressive market I’ve ever seen,” said agent Scott Boras, who represents Brown and Williams, among others.

“The demand has been incredible, even for this time of year, right from the start. Everything has only picked up in the last few days, which hasn’t surprised me. I’ve had 15 to 17 teams calling [about Brown and Williams].”

The Dodgers have inquired about Brown and Williams, and Malone and Boras plan to talk again today. Malone is also interested in Vaughn, the Boston Red Sox slugger.

The Angels are making a run at Johnson, who has reportedly been offered a three-year deal worth $33 million to $36 million to return to the Houston Astros. Johnson is also being pursued by the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees, and the Yankees and Angels also want Vaughn.

Although Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi won’t comment on his plans, the Walt Disney Co. is apparently resigned to bumping the payroll because the organization has gone as far as it can under its previous strategy. Angel President Tony Tavares has said he doesn’t believe any player is worth $10 million and that he won’t engage in bidding wars with the Dodgers’ Fox Group superiors.

But these days, $10-million offers might not get one invited to the dance. The Vaughn situation provides a good example.

Vaughn, who made $6.6 million in 1998, is believed to be seeking a deal that would pay him $12 million to $14 million annually. Malone plans to speak with his agent, Tom Reich, about a multiyear deal, but team sources said the Dodgers aren’t committed to offering Vaughn a five-year, $75-million contract, as has been reported.

Vaughn batted .337 with 40 home runs and 115 runs batted this season. The Red Sox seem resigned to losing Vaughn, who rejected a four-year, $37.5-million offer at the All-Star break.

Boston officials have said re-signing Vaughn is the club’s top off-season priority, but their meetings with Reich have been unproductive.

The Dodgers are eager to add the left-handed batter to their primarily right-handed lineup, which would help create needed offensive balance. Moreover, the Dodgers need Vaughn’s strong presence in their fractured clubhouse, team sources said.

The 1995 American League most valuable player is considered among the game’s most effective leaders, and he has been widely lauded for his philanthropic work in Boston.

But the Dodger situation is complicated because of the numerous moves Malone is trying to make to dump salaries and overhaul the roster. Malone is willing to trade every player in the organization except pitcher Chan Ho Park.

Malone listened closely to his advisors during the recent organizational meetings in Vero Beach, Fla., and first baseman Eric Karros received several strong endorsements.

“Eric is preparing to go to spring training and give the Dodgers the same effort he always has,” said Moorad, who represents Karros. “I’ve talked to Kevin [Malone] about this, and nothing has been decided yet.

“Eric has been through this before, and he understands that this is part of the business of baseball. Our position is that Eric is the incumbent, and he’s the Dodger first baseman until someone tells us otherwise.”

Some within the organization believe the Dodgers should concentrate on signing Brown, then seek a less-expensive solution in center than Williams, such as Devon White or Steve Finley. Brown has already rejected a four-year, $44-million offer to return to the San Diego Padres, and sources said the St. Louis Cardinals plan to offer him a four-year, $53-million deal today.

“A lot of things are going to come into play for me, but I want to see what my choices are out there,” said Brown, who wants a six-year contract. “We’re talking about a long-term deal, so I’ve got to consider playing for a team that has a chance to be competitive down the line. It’s not going to be an easy decision, and it’s not going to be only a monetary decision.”

Peter Chernin and Chase Carey--co-chief operating officers of Fox Group’s parent company, News Corp.--are committed to making the Dodgers a championship-caliber team, and they’re willing to spend more than they would prefer to in the next few years to accelerate that process.

Malone has money to work with, but he probably won’t be able to sign two big-name free agents at today’s prices.

Piazza’s package established the record for the largest contract and largest average annual salary--$13 million. That deal concerns some executives because of its potential impact on this market.

“This is what happens when there are a lot of teams that have needs, and you have a lot of teams pursuing a few players,” Bavasi said. “This is the climate you’re going to have to deal with.”

And the heat is increasing.

“The Mets have definitely established a new market, and you would think that people would slide in behind Mike Piazza, but that might not happen,” Malone said. “There are 30 players [teams] out there who set the rules, and they all have their own agendas.

“You would like to think that everybody is operating in the best interests of the game, but everybody does what’s in their best interest first. You just don’t know how much higher this will go.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

It’s the Bid League

Mo Vaughn

First base

Age when season starts: 31

1998 salary: $6,600,000

1998 statistics: .337,40 HRs, 115 RBls, 107 runs scored.

Average numbers over last 3 seasons: .326, 40 HRs, 118 RBls, 105 runs scored.

Front-runners to sign him: Boston, Dodgers

*

Kevin Brown

Pitcher

Age when season starts: 34

1998 salary: $4,800,000

1998 statistics: 18.7, 2.38 ERA, 257 IP, 257 strikeouts

Average numbers over last 3 seasons: 17.9, 2.33 ERA, 239 IP, 207 strikeouts

Front-runners to sign him: Dodgers, St. Louis, Colorado

*

Randy Johnson

Pitcher

Age when season starts: 35

1998 salary: $6,000,000

1998 statistics: 19, 11, 3.28 ERA, 244 IP, 329 strikeouts

Average numbers over last 3 seasons: 16.5, 292 ERA, 173 IP, 235 strikeouts

Front-runners to sign him: Arizona, Yankees, Angels

*

Roberto Alomar

Second base

Age when season starts: 31

1998 salary: $6,268,771

1998 statistics: 14 HRs, 56 RBIs, 86 runs scored

Average numbers over last 3 seasons:

*

Albert Belle

Outfield

Age when season starts: 32

1998 salary: $10,000,000

1998 statistics: .328, 49 HRs, 152 RBls, 113 runs scored

Average numbers over last 3 seasons: .304, 48 HRs, 139 RBls, 109 runs

Front-runners to sign him: White Sox

*

Bernie Williams

Outfield

Age when season starts: 30

1998 salary: $8,250,000

1998 statistics: .323, 25 HRs, 100 RBls, 105 runs scored

Front-runners to sign him:

Baseball’s Free-Agent Auction

TOTAL: 137

TOP PITCHERS

Kevin Brown: Padres

David Cone: Yankees

Randy Johnson: Astros

*

TOP POSITION

PLAYERS

Roberto Alomar: Orioles

Albert Belle: White Sox

Scott Brosius: Yankees

Ken Caminiti: Padres

Rafael Palmeiro: Orioles

Mo Vaughn: Red Sox

Robin Ventura: White Sox

Bernie Williams: Yankees