Jason Michaels among 148 to file for free agency

Astros shortstop Clint Barmes and outfielder Jason Michaels were among the 148 players to file for free agency Sunday morning.

The MLBPA released the names of the players.

Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes, C.J. Wilson, Carlos Beltran, David Ortiz, Jimmy Rollins, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Jonathan Broxton, Johnny Damon, Ryan Madson, Jonathan Papelbon, Magglio Ordonez, Roy Oswalt, Jorge Posada and Francisco Rodriguez represent some of the biggest names to file.

The labor agreement permits exclusive negotiating rights to a player's former team until this Thursday, Nov. 3 at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Free agents can then negotiate and sign with any team. 

The start of free agency was delayed for 24 hours after the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced the delay last Friday.

Teams have until Nov. 23 to offer salary arbitration to those who filed for free agency in order to receive draft picks as compensation -- if their player decides to sign a contract elsewhere.



(examiner.com)