GMs have seen just enough spring training action to know what holes
need filling before Opening Day.

Spring training is half over, just enough time for general managers
to see what glaring needs require immediate attention.


Below are 10 players who likely will be on the move in 2004, some
sooner rather than later.

1. Paul Konerko. The Dodgers are looking at going into the season
with Robin Ventura as their everyday first baseman. Either that, or
some sort of rotation involving Ventura, Paul Lo Duca and Shawn
Green at first. Prior to 2003, Konerko's on-base percentage the
previous four seasons ranged from .349 to .363, something that might
interest new GM Paul DePodesta. With Scott Schoeneweis (7.71 ERA in
two spring outings) and Jon Garland (4.76) struggling this spring,
Konerko could bring Odalis Perez or Kazuhisa Ishii.

Paul Konerko could be the first-base fix L.A. sorely needs.

2. Kris Benson. The Pirates have gutted their team, so why stop now?
They're not about to let Benson hit free agency after this season
without getting something in return. Pittsburgh also has some young
arms in the farm system (John VanBenschoten, Sean Burnett, Bryan
Bullington) that eventually will replace Benson. Health is always a
question, and Benson will make $6.1 million in 2004. But early
indications are that he's throwing well. The big two (Red Sox and
Yankees) are interested, as well as the Braves, Cardinals and
Phillies.



3. Brian Roberts. The Orioles might wait a little bit longer to see
how Jerry Hairston's broken finger heals before dealing Roberts. But
Roberts has many valuable attributes, he's young, inexpensive and
can lead off. Baltimore could live with Mark McLemore at second base
until Hairston is ready. The Orioles are shopping for a starter and
are willing to add more salary depending on the pitcher. Add lefty
specialist Buddy Groom to the mix, and the Orioles have an
attractive package to offer.


4. Ramon Ortiz. The Angels' offseason spending spree has them
looking to shed salary. It's doubtful they would want to part with
Jarrod Washburn since he's the only left-hander on their staff.
Ortiz, who has a 54-42 career record, can chew up innings. He will
make $3.1 million this season (with a team option for 2005), and
teams won't have to give up elite prospects to get him. That's a
good recipe for a trade.

5. Jacque Jones. If you're in a small market and in the final year
of a contract, then you're a good candidate to be switching
uniforms. That's the situation Jones finds himself in at the moment.
Jones has power and speed and annually hits near or above .300.
Through Saturday, Jones is 8-for-16 this spring. The Twins are
probably hesitant to trade Jones until Torii Hunter returns from his
wrist injury, but they have plenty of outfield options (Michael
Cuddyer, Michael Restovich, Lew Ford). Minnesota also has plenty of
holes in the rotation and bullpen, and trading Jones could fill
those needs nicely.


6. Matt Mantei. Good teams with questionable closers are plentiful
this spring. The A's, Astros, Blue Jays, Giants and Twins could all
have an interest in Mantei if their current ninth-inning options
don't work out as planned. Mantei finished last season with 29 saves
and held opponents to a .191 batting average. Jose Valverde is a
ready-made replacement for the Diamondbacks, who are looking for
ways to save money to make a long-term pitch to Richie Sexson.


7. Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners already have expressed interest in
bringing Junior back to the Great Northwest. Griffey nearly was
dealt for Phil Nevin in 2002. It's pretty clear the Reds are at
least open to the idea of trading Griffey, who is 19 homers away
from 500. Given that milestone and the marquee value his name
brings, it's entirely plausible the Reds will want to make a move to
add some premium young prospects to go along with the small stash
they've already collected. ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian reports
that with deferred money stretching into nearly 2025, a team that
traded for Griffey would not have to pay, in the short term, more
than roughly $6 million a year.


8. Orlando Cabrera. Where have you heard this before? Pending free
agent on a team that's desperate to slash payroll in order to find a
new owner and home. Cabrera is a Gold Glove shortstop with power and
speed. He's the ideal third-party candidate should the Red Sox
decide dealing Nomar Garciaparra is in their long-term best
interest. Nomar to L.A., Cabrera to Boston, young pitching to
Montreal/Northern Virginia/Portland/Monterrey/Las Vegas. Makes sense
if Boston and Los Angeles can work out multiyear deals that meet
their budgets. Jose Vidro and Livan Hernandez also are eminently
tradable, but Cabrera likely would fetch the most on the open
market.


9. Alfonso Soriano. The Rangers reportedly would trade Soriano to
the Mets for Scott Kazmir, but New York is reluctant to part with
its prized pitching prospect. With the cost of what it will take to
pry Soriano from Texas effectively set, teams that need a 40-40
threat in their lineup can start from there. The Dodgers' Edwin
Jackson certainly would be of interest to the Rangers. Greg Miller's
stock, however, dropped with the news he will undergo exploratory
arthroscopic surgery on his ailing left shoulder. The Mariners have
three young arms -- Felix Hernandez, Clint Nageotte and Travis
Blackley -- ranked among Baseball America's Top 100 prospects that
could be packaged with Randy Winn.


10. Junior Spivey. With Rickie Weeks on the fast track for the
Brewers, Spivey never really was considered part of the team's long-
term planning. Spivey is athletic, versatile, productive and
inexpensive with a .363 career OBP. The former Diamondback is
hitting .364 this spring and isn't that far removed from an All-Star
season in 2002. The Brewers recently signed Keith Ginter to a three-
year deal, meaning Spivey is not likely to assume a utility role
when Weeks arrives.