The offseason is in full swing, and teams are free to negotiate with and sign any free agent. Here's a look at some of the most coveted players on the free agent market. LHP Jarrod Washburn, AngelsDec. 16 -- The Associated Press reported Friday night that the Mariners are nearing a four-year deal with Washburn. The deal is worth between $35 and 40 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet in place. CF Kenny Lofton, PhilliesNov. 16 -- Lofton, who attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, spent Friday meeting with Diamondbacks officials in Phoenix. He met with, among others, general manager Josh Byrnes, general partner Jeff Moorad and managing general partner Ken Kendrick and had lunch at the ballpark. "It went well," a Diamondbacks source said. The Diamondbacks have offered Lofton a one-year contract, but have strong competition from the Dodgers. The Orioles are also known to have interest in him. He would fill two big holes for the Diamondbacks, who have been looking for a leadoff hitter and center fielder. RHP Roger Clemens, AstrosDec. 16 -- Clemens said Thursday night that he will consider four teams if he decides to pitch in 2006: the Red Sox, Astros, Yankees and Rangers. He also said that he was fine with the Astros' decision to not offer him arbitration. Randy Hendricks, Clemens' agent, told the Boston Globe that he believes the Red Sox are "very serious about his client" and "would seriously listen to them." Hendricks told the paper that Clemens is considering the idea of playing a partial season to balance family demands in Texas. CF Johnny Damon, Red SoxDec. 16 -- The Boston Globe reported in its Friday editions that while Damon was on the West Coast this week, the center fielder has not yet met with the Dodgers. The paper also indicates that new Dodgers skipper Grady Little made a phone call to Damon, but that the team is more interested in pursuing free agent Nomar Garciaparra. Damon told WBZ-TV that there is a "good chance" he'll be leaving the Red Sox even though they remain his first choice. "We're still talking. I should know in the next couple of days," Damon said. New Yankees reliever Mike Myers told Newsday that he has spoken to Damon and that he has "strong interest" in playing in the Bronx. 1B Jeff Conine, MarlinsDec. 16 -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Braves have expressed interest in Conine. But Conine's agent, Michael Watkins, said his client may choose to sign with the Orioles, who may provide more playing time. RHP Rudy Seanez, PadresDec. 16 -- According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, the Braves are among three teams that have made an offer to Seanez. Seanez's agent, David Schwartz, said the Braves, Devil Rays and Red Sox have all made an offer and that he's awaiting one from the Yankees. Seanez, 37,
pitched in Atlanta from 1998-2000 and again briefly in 2001. "He certainly has a fond place in his heart for Atlanta," Schwartz said. "And he loved playing for [manager] Bobby Cox, like every other player I've known who's played for him." SS Alex Gonzalez, MarlinsDec. 16 -- The Boston Globe reported that Red Sox sources say the team is still considering Gonzalez as a candidate to fill their shortstop void. RF Jacque Jones, TwinsDec. 15 -- Cubs GM Jim Hendry is waiting to hear from Jones' agent. Jones, who could fill the vacant right field spot, was believed to be seeking a three-year deal. The Cubs aren't expected to go that long, not with highly regarded prospect Felix Pie in the wings. RHP Kevin Millwood, IndiansDec. 14 -- The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that the Mariners are still interested in starter Kevin Millwood, but that Millwood's agent, Scott Boras, is looking for a five-year, $60 million deal for his client. RHP Julian Tavarez, CardinalsDec. 14 -- The New York Daily News reported that Mets have not yet made an offer to Tavarez, but that "industry scuttlebutt" was that they would not be put off by the market that would require a four-year deal. "The market for these [relievers] is three or four years," agent Scott Boras was quoted as having said. "I don't think there's any question. All the teams that are interested are in that range." The report also stated a Mets insider had said the club hadn't made a four-year offer. LF Rondell White, TigersDec. 13 -- The Astros have stepped up their pursuit of White. White, a free agent who was not offered arbitration by Detroit last week, was in Houston on Tuesday along with his wife Zavonia as guests of the Astros. White underwent a physical before leaving town. The Astros have been seeking a veteran hitter to upgrade their offense and White's credentials make him an intriguing target. OF Reggie Sanders, CardinalsDec. 13 -- The
veteran slugger was once a target of Kansas City, but is apparently out of the Royals' picture. Sanders, 38, is looking for a three-year deal but the Royals won't offer more than two. An ESPN.com report said the Marlins are one of many teams interested in Sanders, while the Cardinals, Twins and Mariners are also reportedly in the mix. Toronto's Globe and Mail has reported that the Blue Jays may be pursuing the free agent. SS Rich Aurilia, RedsDec. 8 -- Aurilia was offered arbitration by the Reds, but it is unknown if they are inclined to re-sign him or are protecting him for a draft pick were he to ink elsewhere. CF Bernie Williams, YankeesDec. 7 -- The Yankees and Williams bought each more time to negotiate a contract when Williams agreed not to accept the Yankees' arbitration offer. Players offered arbitration can re-sign with their former teams through Jan. 8. RF Sammy Sosa, OriolesDec. 7 -- Sammy Sosa is still on the market, but his agent isn't identifying which teams have contacted him about his client,
MLB.com reported on Wednesday. "It doesn't do any good to create a media frenzy," agent Adam Katz said. "We'll find the right fit." Asked what type of situation might classify as the right fit for Sosa, Katz declined to elaborate. C Bengie Molina, AngelsDec. 7 -- The Angels cut ties with their two-time Gold Glove catcher on Wednesday, declining to offer him arbitration. "Bengie has been a great trooper for us for a lot of years," Angels GM Bill Stoneman said. "We know that he liked playing for the Angels. It was a tough decision." C Mike Piazza, MetsDec.7 -- The Mets formally cut ties with their All-Star catcher, declining to offer Piazza arbitration. The Twins and A's have been rumored as suitors for the future Hall of Famer's services. DH Frank Thomas, White SoxDec. 7 -- The White Sox formally severed ties with Thomas after 16 seasons, declining to offer the veteran slugger arbitration. The move was widely expected after the World Series champions traded for Jim Thome at Thanksgiving.
Thomas was at the Winter Meetings at the Wyndham Anatole in Dallas on Tuesday to meet with perspective teams such as Oakland and Minnesota. RHP Brett Tomko, GiantsDec. 5 -- Tomko feels like he's at a Sadie Hawkins ball, standing alone near the wall and waiting for dance offers from Major League clubs. There are a lot of lookers, so to speak, but the Giants have remained mum. "There are 10, 12 teams we know are interested," said Tomko, "I'd like to stay in San Francisco but they've made minimal efforts to contact us. That's surprising to me because I had a decent feeling when the season ended." RHP Jeff Weaver, DodgersDec. 5 -- Weaver's agent, Scott Boras, was thought to be talking with the Angels. RHP Octavio Dotel, AthleticsDec. 2 -- Dotel told the Dominican newspaper El Caribe that there have been seven teams -- Braves, Rangers, Cardinals, Astros, Dodgers, Mets and Twins -- that have offered him a contract. Dotel added he won't be pitching until midsummer as he comes back from reconstructive elbow surgery. "I'll
return on top," Dotel told El Caribe. "This recovery process will take at least a year and I don't want to do anything to interrupt it." OF Jeromy Burnitz, CubsNov. 22 -- The Cubs declined to pick up the $7 million mutual option with Burnitz, who then filed for free agency. He is one home run shy of 300 in his career, a goal he'd like to reach. A streaky hitter, his bad streaks lasted longer than his good ones in 2005. In a perfect world, Burnitz would find a team on the West Coast, as his family is in San Diego area. RHP Pedro Astacio, PadresNov. 18 -- The Padres would like to bring Astacio back to their rotation, and they are hoping to land him for about $1.5 million after rescuing him off the scrap heap last summer. 2B Tony Graffanino, Red SoxNov. 17 -- Graffanino's agent told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the Twins are interested in his client, possibly to be their everyday second baseman. Graffanino is a good contact hitter and a smart baserunner. He can
play all over the infield, which is clearly an asset. He adjusted seamlessly to the Red Sox after being traded there in July. But the Red Sox will probably give prospect Dustin Pedroia a chance to win the second base job in Spring Training, meaning Graffanino will likely sign elsewhere. 1B/DH Erubiel Durazo, AthleticsNov. 17 -- The Toronto Sun reported that Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi has had initial talks with Durazo's agent. Durazo, whom Oakland general manager Billy Beane once infamously called his "Holy Grail," had a breakout season in 2004 -- leading the A's in batting and RBIs -- but he got off to a slow start in '05 before his season was cut short by elbow
surgery in May when he was batting .237, with four homers and 16 RBIs. LF Juan Encarnacion, MarlinsNov. 16 -- The Nationals have turned their focus to Encarnacion, an athletic corner outfielder who can play center. He played for Washington general manager Jim Bowden when both were with the Reds in 2002. An asset with his bat and glove, the outfielder is not always disciplined at the plate, but is capable of 15-20 homers and 75-90 RBIs. He improved his batting average to .287 last season, rebounding from a disappointing 2004, when he had a left shoulder problem. Encarnacion is not expected to return to Florida, and he is seeking a multi-year deal. LHP Kaz Ishii, MetsNov. 15 -- Every year, some left-handed pitcher get his third or fourth second chances and benefits from it. Could that be Ishii? Seems doubtful, but he is only one season removed from a 13-8 record and 31 starts. A club that believes a left-handed starter is essential and has some rubber arms in the bullpen might want to take a chance. But he will tax the bullpen. The Mets declined Ishii's '06 option, putting the lefty on the market. RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, RockiesNov. 15 -- After joining the Colorado rotation in 2005, Kim did well enough (5-9, 4.37 ERA) to warrant interest in having him return. To that end, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd told MLB.com that he and the agent for Kim will soon have a conversation, possibly as early as Tuesday, in hopes of re-signing the right-hander. Kim's poor performance in a middle relief/setup role (0-3, 7.66) is proof positive that he is most comfortable as either a starter or a closer. The Rangers may have interest down the line as well. RHP Brian Meadows, PiratesNov. 15 -- The Denver
Post siad that Meadows, a converted starter who showed the ability to pitch regularly out of the bullpen while making 133 relief appearances over the past two seasons, would be next on the Rockies' list if free agent right-hander Elmer Dessens decides to pursue other teams, and they have begun talks with Meadows' agent. While Meadows does not have the velocity to overpower hitters, he has outstanding control and rarely issues free passes. He could serve as an effective middle-relief innings-eater for a club in need of bullpen depth. 1B Kevin Millar, Red SoxNov. 12 -- The biggest asset Millar brings to a team is his jovial demeanor, which has a way of lightening the
mood in an entire clubhouse. With Millar's production declining over the last two seasons, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Red Sox will not be keeping him. However, Millar can play first base and the outfield, something that has several teams, including the Astros, Orioles, Twins, Dodgers and Angels, expressing interest. LF B.J. Surhoff, OriolesNov. 12 -- Surhoff, a 41-year-old outfielder, still can play the game, and the Orioles have some interest now that Surhoff has said he wants to return and play a final season, his 20th. Surhoff is a good player for any team to have off the bench or as a pinch-hitter, and he'll likely decide how things go. Injuries have
slowed him the past few years, but there's no question he can still play. 1B Rafael Palmeiro, OriolesNov. 10 -- He may have avoided a perjury charge from the House Government Reform Committee, but Palmeiro may have burned too many bridges to play anywhere. He's probably too hot to handle right now. If any team did want to take a chance on him, it would probably be an American League team where he could see action as a desginated hitter. RHP Rick White, PiratesNov. 8 -- White, 36, showed no signs of slowing down in his 10th big league season. He posted a solid 3.72 ERA while establishing a career high with 71 appearances. White still has low-to-mid 90 mph velocity, and he displays a veterans poise on the mound and in the clubhouse. He could be an effective middle reliever or setup man for a team with an inexperienced relief corps. 1B Daryle Ward, PiratesNov. 8 -- Ward's strong start to the 2005 season was derailed by an inexplicable 208 at-bat homerless drought in the second half. Ward is a decent fielder who hits better
against right-handed pitchers than southpaws. Assuming he regains his home run stroke, Ward could provide a team with a spot starter at first base and left-handed bat with power off the bench. SS Royce Clayton, DiamondbacksNov. 7 -- The Diamondbacks have offered Clayton a one-year deal, but the veteran is holding out for a multi-year deal. Arizona wants him to serve as a mentor to young SS Stephen Drew, who could begin the 2006 season in the big leagues. An excellent defender, Clayton could have several suitors on the open market. The D-Backs will likely keep their one-year offer on the table until they find another veteran shortstop. 1B Travis Lee, Devil RaysNov. 6 -- Lee had a slow first half offensively in 2005, but finished at .272 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs while demonstrating one of the best gloves in baseball at first base. Given his salary -- $1.3 million in 2005, which is a relative bargain -- the Rays might want him to return. Having him at first base could soothe the arrival of B.J. Upton to the Rays' infield, whether Upton plays third base or shortstop. Lee has the ability to turn errors into outs. 3B Alex Gonzalez, Devil RaysNov. 6 -- Gonzalez made the transition from shortstop to third base in 2005 and hit .269 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs. Gonzalez is a solid fielder and can hit for some power. However, the Rays are likely to put Upton at third base in 2006 and Gonzalez's salary ($1.75 million in 2005) is too high for him to be a utility player for the Rays. He can play shortstop and third base, which should make him attractive to several teams. IF/OF Eduardo Perez, Devil RaysNov. 6 -- Perez is a quality player off the bench. He understands the role
and plays it well, having the ability to play several positions (1B, 3B, and OF). In addition, he's a dangerous pinch-hitter and a positive influence in the clubhouse. Bringing him back would make sense for the Rays, but the price might be too high given the demand. Many teams should be interested in signing him to strengthen their benches. RF Juan Gonzalez, IndiansNov. 4 -- Unproductive as an offseason pickup last season, the power-hitting Gonzalez doesn't seem inclined to retire. The Indians have not ruled out bringing him back with another contract filled with incentives. But they know the risks: Gonzalez, 36, has a history of injury. That fact alone should scare off
teams that might have an interest in a big bat like his. The Indians, however, might roll the dice on him once again. 1B/DH Scott Hatteberg, AthleticsNov. 4 -- After watching Hatteberg struggle down the stretch for the second consecutive season, Oakland declined its $2.7 million option for 2006, but it's not out of the question that he'd re-sign with the A's, who love his veteran presence and knowledge of the strike zone. Hatteberg, 35, is a converted catcher who was moved from first base to DH in 2005, when he batted .256, with seven homers and 59 RBIs while making $2.45 million. RHP Keiichi Yabu, AthleticsNov. 4 -- A Japanese import who was signed as a free agent to give the A's some insurance for their young starting rotation, Yabu, 37, never established any kind of momentum in Oakland and was essentially used as a mop-up man most of the time. He went 4-0 with a 4.50 ERA and a save in 40 appearances while pulling down $780,000, and the A's wasted no time in declining their $1.5 million club option on 2006. 3B Joe Randa,
PadresNov. 4 -- The third baseman will sign elsewhere, most likely with a club close to his Kansas City home. The Twins might also make sense. He's a solid player and person, good with the glove and bat, an excellent complementary piece. CF Preston Wilson, NationalsNov. 4 -- Wilson most likely will not be back with the Nationals. He made $12.5 million in 2005, and the Nationals are not expected to spend that kind of money to keep him. Also, the organization was disappointed in Wilson's production after they acquired him from the Rockies. He struck out frequently and had a difficult time defensively. RHP Tony Armas Jr., NationalsNov. 4 -- Armas is a pitcher who has a lot of potential, but it will not be reached with the Nationals. He is expected to make a full recovery after having shoulder surgery at the end of the season. Whether Armas will be an effective pitcher remains to be seen. Armas spent time on the disabled list for the third year in a row, having problems with his groin and right shoulder. He appeared in only 19 games and had to be shut down after Sept. 1. RHP James Baldwin, OriolesNov. 4 -- The Orioles might take another shot at him, depending mainly on what they can find on the free agent market. He pitched well when with the team, mostly in a long-relief role. The main question is what happens to other pitchers and who's available. If Baldwin lands anywhere else, it would probably be as a long reliever. RHP Jason Johnson, TigersNov. 4 -- Johnson crossed a major threshold this season by topping 200 innings for the first time in his career. That alone would make him a marketable commodity in a thin pitching market. His stretch of five
straight outings of eight innings or better, plus 19 quality starts in 34 outings this past season, adds to the appeal, making him an attractive option for mid-market clubs looking for a No. 3 or No. 4 starter. The Tigers won't rule out re-signing him, but only if they strike out in their search for a front-line arm. RF Richard Hidalgo, RangersNov. 4 -- Hidalgo had a disappointing 2005 after the Rangers signed him to a one-year free agent deal last winter in hopes he would rediscover the hitting form he once showed in Houston. Hidalgo hit just .221 in 88 games before missing the last two months with a left wrist injury. Hidalgo did show some pop at the plate with 16
homers in 308 at-bats, but the Rangers are expected to look elsewhere for a starting right fielder while Hidalgo explores the free agent market for the second year in a row. Hidalgo may want to get back to the NL, where he had his best years. 3B Wes Helms, BrewersNov. 3 -- Helms belted 23 home runs in 2003, his first season of everyday duty, but fell off the map in 2004 after suffering a knee injury. He dropped to the bottom of the depth chart in 2005 and served almost exclusively as a pinch-hitter for Milwaukee, but he could have value elsewhere as a starter. The Phillies reportedly tried to trade for Helms during the season, but the Brewers turned the offer down. RHP Kevin Brown, YankeesNov. 2 -- Is this the end of the line for the right-hander? With his seven-year, $105 million contract finally over, Brown will likely have to take a Minor League deal if he wants to play in 2006. Brown has had major health issues in the past two years, making a total of 35 starts for the Yankees. He will be 41 by Opening Day, which he may be watching from his couch in Georgia. OF Terrence Long, RoyalsNov. 2 -- After being a spare part for the Padres, Long had a solid season for the Royals. His high salary ($4.8 million) led to his clearing waivers and opting for the free agent market. Long didn't draw many walks (30) but became a better contact hitter and had a .321 on-base percentage. He also led the Royals' regulars in clutch hitting -- .311 with runners in scoring position. But he had just six homers, his lowest total as an everyday player. Long played very well defensively in left. LHP Brian Anderson, RoyalsNov. 2 -- Anderson was in the Royals'
rotation for six starts when a shoulder strain forced him out. After rehab was unsuccessful, he underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, which he hopes will get him back as a starter. His last successful fling came in 2003, when he was 5-1 in seven starts after the Royals obtained him from the Indians. Anderson probably won't be ready to pitch until almost midseason, but the Royals have interest in retaining him. RHP Jose Lima, RoyalsNov. 2 -- Lima had his moments, but not enough of them to avoid 16 losses and an ERA a tick under 7.00. Too many pitches floated up in the strike zone, and he was pounded for 31 homers and a league-high 140 runs. He made 32 starts but
averaged just 5 1/3 innings per outing. Lima, 13-5 with the Dodgers in 2004, still brings a lot of life and energy to the clubhouse, dugout and mound. He wants to return to the Royals and they're thinking about it. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. *********** Rest in peace Eddie Guerrero... I will never, ever forget you and I will always remember you and all the great moments that you have given me. As a entertainer, you were the best... as a wrestler, you had few peers... I will always love you and never forget you ! Liva La Raza ! (EDDIE GUERRERO October 9, 1967- November 13th 2005) *********** __________________________________________________
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