There is a sketchy way that MLB general managers go about signing their free agents.

They have this certain scale that allows them to turn back the curtain and spend countless dollars on players that turn out to produce less than you or I would if we were to play for the team.

Many examples of this have been shown even in this year’s offseason. Pitchers were signed who didn’t deserve the amount of money they got.

I guess that is a relative question; it’s not how much the seller is asking for, it’s how much the buyer will pay for the goods.

In many situations, teams must see something that most others don’t when they spend these large sums of money.

It is unfortunate to see, especially due to the fact that players still do remain on the market who have proven themselves and have held a steady track record for most, if not all, of their career.

Take Yovani Gallardo. He pitched for the Texas Ranger last year, and came out of the season with a 13-11 record and a 3.42 ERA. He pitched 184.1 innings, had 121 strikeouts and a 1.42 whip.

If you read these stats, with a month away from the regular season, you would think this pitcher would have a home.

But he does not. He is currently “fielding” offers from many teams as he has been quoted saying.

The big question is, why hasn’t he been signed? Well, there could be many different reasons, but his consistency and his ability are not a part of that equation.

During his nine-year career in the majors, he has a record of 102-75, with an ERA of 3.66 including a whip of 1.32.

These stats are another reason why Gallardo should be gaining more attention and offers than he is.

On the Brewers, he was a proven ace, and that was only two years ago. Some team should quickly take advantage of this and sign him.

Pitchers such as Mike Leake signed a five-year $80 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Last year, Leake pitched in only nine games where he managed to go 2-5 with a 4.07 ERA.

For his career, Leake has a record of 64-52 with an ERA of 3.88. These numbers are not bad by any stretch. Especially considering that the league average for pitchers combined is a 3.96.

At the same time, Leake’s numbers do not jump off the page as anything too special. They are just above the league averages and he was signed in mid December. Why is this?

Going back to the Gallardo situation, maybe he wants too much money, or maybe he is trouble in the clubhouse. Who knows?

But one thing for sure is that he is just as talented, if not more, than many of the other free agent pitchers who signed already.