With a deal seeming more likely by the hour, let's run through the candidates to pick up Toronto's ace:

Yankees - Money isn't much of an issue, and the Yankees certainly have the pieces to get a deal done between Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, elite hitting prospect Jesus Montero and outfielder Austin Jackson. Also, new Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has stated that he's willing to trade Halladay within the AL East. If the Yankees are willing to part with Chamberlain and Montero together or Hughes and Jackson together, then they'd have easily the best chance of landing Halladay. Getting it done with just one of the first three players might be possible, but only if no one else steps up.

Odds: 3:1

Dodgers - With Chad Billingsley to dangle, the Dodgers are the one team that can exchange top-of-the-rotation starters with the Jays. They're not going to give up Clayton Kershaw, though. If the Jays want to stay competitive in 2010, a package of Billingsley and major league-ready players like left-hander Scott Elbert, outfielder Xavier Paul, shortstop Ivan DeJesus Jr. and catcher A.J. Ellis could trump anything another team would offer. The Jays, though, might prefer to build for 2011 and beyond, and Billingsley, who is eligible for arbitration for the first time, is going to start getting expensive soon.

Odds: 5:1

Phillies - Able to hold on to much of their elite young talent in the Cliff Lee trade, the Phillies still have quite a bit to offer for Holliday. It's doubtful that they'd be willing to send both of their top prospects, right-hander Kyle Drabek and outfielder Dominic Brown, to Toronto, but if they gave up one of those two, J.A. Happ and Michael Taylor, I doubt the Jays would turn them down. The problem is that a Halladay acquisition would push the Phillies' payroll up to $135 million, and the team would still need a third baseman, a setup man and bench help.

Odds: 6:1

Red Sox - The Red Sox would be in a better position to pick up Halladay if it didn't part with Justin Masterson and Nick Hagadone to acquire Victor Martinez over the summer. It could well come down to how Anthopoulos feels about Clay Buchholz. If the Jays see Buchholz as a potential top-of-the-rotation guy, then the Red Sox would be able to build a package around him, one of their two advanced outfield prospects (Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish) and a couple of lesser pitching prospects. If not, then the Red Sox would likely have to trade closer of the future Daniel Bard and their No. 1 pitching prospect, Casey Kelly.

Odds: 6:1

Mariners - With no elite pitching prospect or top young shortstop, the Mariners may be too short on minor league talent to pull off a Halladay acquisition. Brandon Morrow and Phillipe Aumont have big-time arms, but Aumont is a reliever and Morrow might be. The Mariners would probably have to part with both and outfielder Michael Saunders to compete with what other teams have to offer. Lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith is another to throw into the mix.

Odds: 8:1

Angels - The Angels and Jays discussed Halladay at the trade deadline, but former GM J.P. Ricciardi held out for Erick Aybar and nothing got done. Unfortunately, the Angel farm system isn't what it once was. Top pitchers Trevor Reckling and Jordan Walden didn't help themselves this season, and there are no future stars on offense. Aybar would be a huge piece if the Angels relented and moved him, but barring that, they'd have to hope the Jays really like Brandon Wood, Mike Napoli and outfielder Peter Bourjos if they want to get something done.

Odds: 10:1

Rangers - Halladay to Texas was viewed as a possibility at the trade deadline, and the Rangers certainly have the talent to pull off a deal. Halladay, though, isn't thought to want to pitch in Texas, and owner Tom Hicks' financial woes might make a trade impossible anyway. It's too bad, since a swap of Derek Holland, Chris Davis and Taylor Teagarden for Halladay could work out well for both teams.

Odds: 12:1

Mets - The Mets have so many problems that it would seem pretty foolish to commit $15.75 million next year and give up half the farm system to fill one spot. The Jays would likely hold out for outfielder Fernando Martinez, shortstop Wilmer Flores and two of the team's best young arms.

Odds: 20:1

The field - The Orioles have all of the young pitching the Jays would require, but even the addition of an ace probably wouldn't make them more than a fourth-place team next year. ... The Diamondbacks might have the cash to take on Halladay, but their farm system still hasn't recovered from the Dan Haren deal. ... The Cubs don't have the money or the motivation to acquire an ace with their offense in shambles.

Odds: 9:1

Free Agency Preview - Catcher
Free Agency Preview - First base & DH
Free Agency Preview - Second base
Free Agency Preview - Third base
Free Agency Preview - Shortstop
Free Agency Preview - Outfield
Free Agency Preview - Starting pitchers

This is the last in a series of columns looking at this winter's free agents, trade candidates and non-tender possibilities. I'll be making predictions for the key free agents, but try not to take them too awfully seriously. Here's a look at the relievers.

Jose Valverde (Astros) - Regardless of whether he's actually the best option going forward, Valverde will be viewed as the one big-time closer available in free agency this winter. The 32-year-old led the NL in saves in both 2007 and '08, and while he did miss a chunk of last season, it wasn't with an arm problem and he finished with a 2.33 ERA in 54 innings. He'd seem to be the only free agent reliever with a chance of landing a four-year deal. Free of arm woes since the first month of 2005, he's about as good of a bet as Francisco Cordero was when he got $46 million from the Reds two years ago. The Braves would seem to be the favorites to land him, particularly if they can move Derek Lowe in the near future. Prediction: Braves - three years, $30 million

Rafael Soriano (Braves) - By allowing just one run in his final eight appearances, Soriano was able to take a sub-3.00 ERA with him into free agency. 2008 was a lost season for him, but he combined to throw 147 2/3 innings between 2007 and '09 and he ended his three-year stint in Atlanta with a 2.95 ERA and a 188/51 K/BB ratio. That should make him one of the top closing options this winter, though the team that signs him will want to have ample protection behind him. He's made 60 appearances just twice in his seven seasons as a major league reliever. Prediction: Rays - two years, $14 million

Mike Gonzalez (Braves) - While Soriano is almost certainly a goner, Gonzalez is likely to get an arbitration offer to remain in Atlanta. Still, indications are that both will depart. The Braves did their best to use both up last season, as they combined for 157 appearances. Gonzalez, whose previous high for innings pitched in a season was 54, worked in 80 games and threw 74 1/3 innings, amassing a 2.42 ERA and 90 strikeouts in the process. He lost closing duties due to some poorly timed blown saves, but he still has a pretty good history in that role and there should be several teams interested in using him there. He could also receive offers from the Yankees and Red Sox to work as a setup man, but I doubt he'll pass up the chance to close. Prediction: Astros - three years, $18 million

Billy Wagner (Red Sox) - Judging by the way he looked after returning from Tommy John surgery last season, there's a definite case to be made for Wagner as the top one-year option from the available closers. The 38-year-old lefty allowed eight hits, walked eight and struck out 26 in 15 2/3 innings for the Mets and Red Sox. The big downside here is that Wagner is expected to receive an arbitration offer, and as a Type A free agent, he'll cost the team that signs him a draft pick. That figures to scare off the Rays, who could have really used him otherwise. At least the Nationals and Orioles -- the two teams closest to Wagner's home in Virginia -- would only have to surrender a second-round pick to sign him. Prediction: Orioles - one year, $7.5 million

Fernando Rodney (Tigers) - The profile hardly screams for a multiyear deal: Rodney turns 33 in March, he posted a 4.40 ERA last season and his career ERA is 4.28. Still, the fact is that, given an extended chance for the first time, he was a brilliant closer last season, converting 37 of 38 save chances. He also has very legitimate stuff, as he throws 94-97 mph and possesses one of the game's better changeups. It certainly makes him an interesting case. The Tigers will likely make a strong effort to re-sign him, and the Phillies appear to have identified as their top choice to serve as a setup man for Brad Lidge. The Braves and Astros could also look at him for their ninth-inning openings. Prediction: Tigers - three years, $15 million

Octavio Dotel (White Sox) - Dotel has turned in back-to-back healthy seasons since coming back from Tommy John surgery, and he continues to post excellent strikeout numbers. Still, he probably won't be looked at as a closer after struggling in that role at times early on in his career. A Type A free agent, he'd likely accept arbitration if the White Sox offered it, especially since the offer would limit his market. As a flyball pitcher, he'd be a better fit in a bigger ballpark. Prediction: Mets - two years, $10 million

LaTroy Hawkins (Astros) - No American League team figures to display much interest, but Hawkins has been an outstanding reliever for the Astros over the last year and a third, compiling a 1.71 ERA in 84 1/3 innings. He even filled in well when the Astros needed to replace Valverde last season. He turns 37 next month, but he should land a multiyear deal anyway. Prediction: Astros - two years, $9 million

Brandon Lyon (Tigers) - Lyon was originally expected to be the Tigers' closer, but a brutal spring cost him the job and he struggled to a 6.89 ERA through mid-May. From then on, he had a 1.86 ERA and a 52/20 K/BB ratio in 63 innings. The showing will earn him consideration for closing jobs this winter, though with his modest strikeout rate, he's always seemed like a better fit as a setup man. A return to the NL with the Phillies or Nationals could be a possibility. Prediction: Phillies - two years, $8 million

Takashi Saito (Red Sox) - The Red Sox never displayed a lot of faith in Saito as a setup man for Jonathan Papelbon, but at season's end, he had a 2.43 ERA in 55 2/3 innings. His career mark stands at 2.01 in four major league seasons. Handled carefully, the soon-to-be 40-year-old should remain very effective. Since it's unclear whether he's still capable of pitching on back-to-back days, he makes more sense as a setup man than as a closer. Prediction: Diamondbacks - one year, $4 million

Chan Ho Park (Phillies) - Park certainly made himself some money in the postseason, opening eyes with his stuff even if he did finish with an unexceptional 4.05 ERA in 6 2/3 innings. The 36-year-old had a 2.52 ERA in 50 innings out of the pen last season, compared to a 7.29 ERA in seven starts. The rotation, though, is where Park wants to be. He'll have no shortage of suitors if he merely embraces the idea of serving as a setup man and middle reliever. Prediction: Phillies - one year, $4 million

J.J. Putz (Mets) - Putz has gone from a 1.38 ERA in 71 2/3 innings in 2007 to a 3.88 ERA in 46 1/3 innings in 2008 to a 5.22 ERA in 29 1/3 innings last season. Also, there are still questions about the condition of his elbow after he was diagnosed with a slight tear in his UCL in August. A heavily incentive-laden one-year deal would be appropriate, and it's likely that he'll want to sign with a team that would give him a chance to close. He'd seem to fit best with the Nationals or Marlins. Prediction: Nationals - one year, $2.5 million plus incentives

Rafael Betancourt (Rockies) - Betancourt stabilized the Rockies pen after being picked up from the Indians, amassing a 1.78 ERA in 25 1/3 innings. Still, the team declined to pick up his expensive $5.4 million option for 2010. It appears likely that the Rockies will instead offer him arbitration, and given his status as a Type A free agent, he may have little choice but to accept it. Prediction: Rockies - one-year, $4 million

Ryota Igarashi (Japan) - Igarashi will be the more heavily pursued of the two Japanese pitchers attempting to make the jump to MLB this winter. The 30-year-old right-hander had a 3.19 ERA and a 44/20 K/BB ratio in 64 innings out of the pen last season. He's known for being one of Japan's hardest throwers, but he doesn't have a legitimate strikeout breaking ball, which could hold him back. He'd still be worth trying on a modest two-year deal. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $6 million

Kevin Gregg (Cubs) - In three years since moving to the National League, Gregg has struck out 216 and allowed just 174 hits. Unfortunately, subpar command and, particularly in 2009, a tendency to give up homers doomed him as a closer. That he also struggled as a setup man for Carlos Marmol late last season, surrendering 18 runs in 20 1/3 innings over the last two months, won't help his case this winter. At least he'll probably come cheap, something that could make him attractive to the Nationals, Tigers, Astros and Orioles. Prediction: Nationals - one year, $3.5 million

Kiko Calero (Marlins) - Calero had the best ERA of any reliever in this group last season, coming in at 1.95 in 60 innings. The league hit just .180 off him, and he struck out 69 in 60 innings. Calero, though, has an ugly injury history. The 60 innings were a new career high for him. Shoulder problems limited him to 45 1/3 innings between 2007 and '08, and he had a 5.56 ERA over the course of the two seasons. Calero's season was no fluke from a performance standpoint -- he has one of the game's better sliders -- but he can only be trusted on a one-year deal. Prediction: Red Sox - one year, $3 million

Other free agents: Darren Oliver (Angels), Russ Springer (Rays), David Weathers (Brewers), Bob Howry (Giants), Guillermo Mota (Dodgers), Chad Bradford (Rays), Mark Hendrickson (Orioles), Joe Beimel (Rockies), Scott Eyre (Phillies), Hisanori Takahashi (Japan), Troy Percival (Rays), Danys Baez (Orioles), Claudio Vargas (Brewers), Joaquin Benoit (Rangers), Fernando Cabrera (Red Sox), Chad Cordero (Mariners), Eric Gagne (FA), Miguel Batista (Mariners), Ron Mahay (Twins), Alan Embree (Rockies), Ron Villone (Nationals), Brian Shouse (Rays), Scott Schoeneweis (Diamondbacks), Jamey Wright (Royals), Joe Nelson (Rays), Jason Isringhausen (Rays), Justin Speier (FA), Jason Jennings (Rangers), Jason Grilli (Rangers), Josh Fogg (Rockies), Jesus Colome (Brewers), Brendan Donnelly (Marlins), Luis Ayala (Marlins), Matt Herges (Rockies), Eddie Guardado (Rangers), Luis Vizcaino (Indians), Horacio Ramirez (Nationals), Javier Lopez (Red Sox), Geoff Geary (Astros), Philip Humber (Twins), Logan Kensing (Nationals), Doug Waechter (Royals), R.A. Dickey (Twins), Tyler Walker (Phillies), Justin Miller (Giants), B.J. Ryan (FA), Roy Corcoran (Astros), Derrick Turnbow (Rangers), Jorge Julio (Rays), Juan Rincon (Rockies), Russ Ortiz (Rockies), Kip Wells (Reds), Oscar Villarreal (Royals), Elmer Dessens (Mets), Marcus McBeth (Red Sox), Tony Pena Jr. (Royals), Casey Fossum (Yankees), R.J. Swindle (Indians), Alfredo Simon (Orioles), Chris Britton (Padres), Steven Register (Phillies), Jimmy Gobble (White Sox), Glendon Rusch (Rockies), Ryan Speier (Rockies), Randy Messenger (Mariners), Yasuhiko Yabuta (Royals), Tomo Ohka (Indians), Vladimir Nunez (Braves), Chris Bootcheck (Pirates), Rudy Seanez (FA), Chad Fox (Cubs)

As a Type A free agent, Oliver could well accept arbitration from the Angels for the second year in a row. He'd earn about $4 million next year. ... Ex-Rays Bradford, Percival and Isringhausen might all head into retirement this winter. Guardado is another expected to call it a career.

Trade candidates: Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox), Joakim Soria (Royals), Heath Bell (Padres), Huston Street (Rockies), Bobby Jenks (White Sox), Francisco Cordero (Reds - limited NTC), Matt Capps (Pirates), C.J. Wilson (Rangers), Matt Lindstrom (Marlins), Manny Delcarmen (Red Sox), Sean Marshall (Cubs), Carlos Villanueva (Brewers), Manny Corpas (Rockies), Scott Downs (Blue Jays), Jason Frasor (Blue Jays), Brandon League (Blue Jays), Jared Burton (Reds), Jesse Crain (Twins), Jeremy Accardo (Blue Jays), Jesse Carlson (Blue Jays), Shawn Camp (Blue Jays), Chris Ray (Orioles), Renyel Pinto (Marlins), Bobby Seay (Tigers), Radhames Liz (Orioles), Brian Stokes (Mets), Jonathan Albaladejo (Yankees), Edwar Ramirez (Yankees), Seth McClung (Brewers), Manny Acosta (Braves), Josh Kinney (Cardinals), Cla Meredith (Orioles), Sean Green (Mets), Jason Bergmann (Nationals), Jeff Karstens (Pirates), Alex Hinshaw (Giants), Merkin Valdez (Giants), Santiago Casilla (Athletics), Stephen Marek (Braves), Luis Mendoza (Rangers)

Of the seven closers that start off this list, Jenks looks like the best bet to go. Unfortunately for the White Sox, there won't be a large market for him given his likely $7 million salary and rising ERA. I still think it's pretty unlikely, but there is the chance that the White Sox could non-tender him. ... Capps has been shopped, but his trade value is well down from where it was a year ago. The Pirates might as well hold on to him and hope for the best. ... Lindstrom is eligible for arbitration for the first time, and that means the Marlins are about to lose patience with him.

The Jays have some sorting out to do, so I've listed pretty much all of their relievers here. I think League and Accardo are the top candidates to go, but it's possible the Jays will go get themselves a true closer and then make both Downs and Frasor available.

Non-tender candidates: Bobby Jenks (White Sox), Mike MacDougal (Nationals), Chad Gaudin (Yankees), Bobby Seay (Tigers), Brian Bruney (Yankees), Sergio Mitre (Yankees), Seth McClung (Brewers), Jeremy Accardo (Blue Jays), Jason Bergmann (Nationals), Saul Rivera (Nationals), Santiago Casilla (Athletics), Chris Sampson (Astros), John Bale (Royals), Roman Colon (Royals), Doug Slaten (Nationals), Taylor Tankersley (Marlins), Jose Veras (Indians), Jose Ascanio (Pirates), Yusmiero Petit (Mariners), Blaine Boyer (Diamondbacks), Neal Cotts (Cubs), Jack Taschner (Phillies), Jeff Bennett (Rays), Brian Bass (Orioles), Mark Worrell (Padres), Bobby Keppel (Twins), Nelson Figueroa (Mets), Brian Wolfe (Blue Jays), Dale Thayer (Rays), Clay Rapada (Tigers), Willie Eyre (Rangers), Doug Mathis (Rangers), Yorman Bazardo (Astros), Boone Logan (Braves), Lance Broadway (Mets), Jay Marshall (Athletics), Alberto Castillo (Orioles), Randy Williams (White Sox), Dick Hayhurst (Blue Jays), Dusty Hughes (Royals), Victor Marte (Royals), Sean Henn (Blue Jays), Zack Segovia (Nationals), Arturo Lopez (Mets)

It sounds like the Nationals are leaning towards keeping MacDougal, even though he'll probably cost about $3 million in arbitration. He did a fine job as their closer last season, converting 20 of his 21 save chances, but he had a 1.52 WHIP and a 31/31 K/BB ratio in 50 innings. ... The Yankees have to decide whether it's worth paying Gaudin $2.5 million, Bruney $1.5 million and Mitre $800,000. They can afford them all, but Gaudin is the only one of the three clearly worthy of a roster spot.

2010-11 free agents: Mariano Rivera (Yankees), Huston Street (Rockies), Brian Fuentes (Angels)*, Kerry Wood (Indians)*, Trevor Hoffman (Brewers)*, Chad Qualls (Diamondbacks), Frank Francisco (Rangers), Matt Thornton (White Sox)*, Scott Downs (Blue Jays), Jason Frasor (Blue Jays), Koji Uehara (Orioles), Jeremy Affeldt (Giants), Matt Guerrier (Twins), Grant Balfour (Rays), Pedro Feliciano (Mets), J.C. Romero (Phillies)*, Dan Wheeler (Rays)*, Chad Durbin (Phillies), Jon Rauch (Twins), Juan Cruz (Royals)*, Mike MacDougal (Nationals), Scot Shields (Angels), Jesse Crain (Twins), Aaron Heilman (Diamondbacks), Dennys Reyes (Cardinals), Trever Miller (Cardinals)*, Arthur Rhodes (Reds), Kyle Farnsworth (Royals)*, Seth McClung (Brewers), David Riske (Brewers)*, Neal Cotts (Cubs), Randy Choate (Rays), Mike Lincoln (Reds), Randy Flores (Rockies)

2011 options: Fuentes - $9 million (vests w/55 games finished in 2010), Wood - $11 million (vests w/55 games finished in 2010), Hoffman $7 million-$8.5 million ($500,000-$1 million buyout), Thornton - $3 million ($250,000 buyout), Romero - $4.5 million ($250,000 buyout), Wheeler - $4 million ($1 million buyout), Cruz - $4 million ($500,000 buyout), Miller - $2 million (vests w/45 games in 2010), Farnsworth - $5.25 million ($500,000 buyout), Riske - $4.75 million ($250,000 buyout)

2011-12 free agents: Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers), Francisco Rodriguez (Mets)*, Joe Nathan (Twins)*, Francisco Cordero (Reds)*, Heath Bell (Padres), Brad Lidge (Phillies)*, Bobby Jenks (White Sox), Ryan Madson (Phillies), George Sherrill (Dodgers), C.J. Wilson (Rangers), Michael Wuertz (Athletics), Chris Ray (Orioles), Ryan Franklin (Cardinals), Joel Zumaya (Tigers), Scott Linebrink (White Sox), Damaso Marte (Yankees)*, John Grabow (Cubs), Chad Gaudin (Yankees), Brian Tallet (Blue Jays), Todd Coffey (Brewers), Clay Condrey (Phillies), Tim Byrdak (Astros), Lance Cormier (Rays), Shawn Camp (Blue Jays), John Bale (Royals), Tyler Walker (Phillies), Matt Belisle (Rockies)

2012 options: Rodriguez - $17.5 million ($3.5 million buyout), Nathan - $12.5 million ($2 million buyout), Cordero - $12 million ($1 million buyout), Lidge - $12.5 million ($1.5 million buyout), Marte - $4 million ($250,000 buyout)

After reaching an impasse regarding a contract extension for Josh Johnson, his agent Matt Sosnick was rather blunt about the 25-year-old's future in Florida during an interview with MLB.com on Saturday.

"As far as our feelings are concerned, and I feel very strongly that this is true, that Josh either signs a long-term deal now with the Marlins, which is not going to happen, or he gets traded after this year and the Marlins can get some value back."

Though Sosnick didn't specify the financial terms of the negotiations, he did reveal that he Marlins would only guarantee three years with an option for a fourth year.

According to a separate report in the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins weren't even willing to go beyond three years and $22 million, which, if true, is one of the worst low-ball offers in recent memory. Just for kicks, a quick visit to Fangraphs will tell you that Johnson was worth $24.6 million in 2009 alone.

Even Zack Greinke's four-year, $38 million contract, the one Johnson's camp was reportedly using as a framework for a deal, would have been a significant discount compared to what he could have made elsewhere.

Johnson is under team control through 2011, but look for him to be wearing a different uniform before then.

Responding to fans who felt the new Citi Field wasn't a tribute to the blue 'n' orange as much as it was a baseball field with a neat little entrance way dedicated to Jackie Robinson, the Mets announced plans to expand the presence of club history throughout the ballpark for its second season.

- The Mets will rename the park's VIP entrances after Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver and Casey Stengel, while the outfield bridge will be called Shea Bridge, in honor of William A. Shea, the man who was instrumental in bringing National League baseball back to New York.

- The team will install the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum adjacent to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Additionally, a re-formed Mets Hall of Fame Committee, including members of the media and front office, will evaluate potential inductees.

- Finally, the team will incorporate the team colors, logos and full-color banners of Mets players at various entry points of the park. They'll also add a few more bells and whistles, including staircases painted with team colors and blue and orange flowers in the gardens at Mets Plaza in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.

Wow. These alterations are so darn reasonable that it's almost embarrassing they weren't implemented from day one. While the Mets did their fans right today, thankfully these announcements didn't include any silly plans to tweak the actual playing field.
 

"We would like to sign him, he is an original Blue Jay and we have never had a pitcher as good as him. But he is not inclined to sign with us."

- Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston, while talking about the future of Roy Halladay with the New York Post.

Giddy up, Hot Stove.

According to Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, free agent Jose Contreras is considering a move to Japan.

Contreras' 16-year-old son is hoping to take part in an exchange program with a Japanese high school. According to a Sanspo.com report, Contreras reached out to the Hanshin Tigers earlier this week. Though the Tigers have likely ruled him out, according to a team source, other teams could have interest in the veteran right-hander.

Contreras was 6-13 with a 4.92 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 28 games (23 starts) between the White Sox and Rockies in 2009. He was impressive upon his arrival in Colorado, posting a 1.59 ERA and 17/8 K/BB ratio in 17 innings. Whatever his age (he's allegedly 37 years old, but we all know better), Contreras still has pretty strong peripherals and would likely find success in Japan.

Based on the location of his son's school, Newman thinks Contreras would be a good fit with the SoftBank Hawks and Hiroshima Carp.

By the way, if you are looking for the best blog to keep up with the goings-on in Japanese baseball, bookmark NPB Tracker.

Jon Heyman of SI.com "tweets" that the Red Sox may stay in touch with Jason Bay, however "competing execs believe they're looking at hard at alternatives now." Before hitting free agency, Bay reportedly rejected a four-year contract offer from Boston worth approximately $60 million.

Speaking of alternatives, Mike Silverman of the Boston Herald reported on Friday that the Red Sox inquired about four of Scott Boras' clients -- Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel, Adrian Beltre and Mike Gonzalez. Holliday would be a more expensive alternative to Bay, however he is also viewed as a superior player.

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes that many in the Cubs' front office feel they would be foolish to give up top prospect Starlin Castro to acquire Curtis Granderson from the Tigers.

Castro, a 19-year-old shortstop has drawn weighty comparisons to Hanley Ramirez and Derek Jeter with his play in the Arizona Fall League, batting .376/.396/.475 with one home run, 10 RBI, nine stolen bases and 18 runs scored in 26 games with the Mesa Solar Sox. Castro, a native of the Dominican Republic, has a .301/.354/.403 line over parts of three seasons in the minor leagues. Though he has improved his stock immensely this fall, Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus warns that Castro is becoming one of the more over-rated prospects in the game.

Rogers speculates that "there are a lot of other ways to do the deal" for Granderson while wondering if new hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo could help his performance against left-handers. Granderson has a .614 career OPS against southpaws compared to a .894 OPS against righties. He batted .183/.245/.239 with 10 home runs, 34 RBI and a .696 OPS against left-handers in 2009.

While we're on the subject of top prospects, Dustin Ackley, the No. 2 selection in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft also made news on Friday. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Ackley will begin working out at second base in a move that could become permanent.

Ackley, 21, played outfield and first base with North Carolina, but was drafted as a center fielder. Zduriencik was careful to say that this would be an experiment, but Ackley is expected to rise in the system rather quickly, and with Franklin Gutierrez holding down center field quite nicely, second base could be a natural fit.

Ackley is batting .315/.412/.425 with one home run, five doubles, 12 RBI and 13 runs scored in 20 games for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League. He is scheduled to bat leadoff and play center field during Saturday's AFL Championship Game against the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

It's important to note that Ackley is at least one year away from the majors, but in a semi-related story, the Mariners may consider moving current second baseman Jose Lopez to first base, according to a FOXSports.com.

Go ahead and wipe that sweat from your brow, Nats fans. It looks like Stephen Strasburg is going to be just fine.

The number one selection of the 2009 First Year Player Draft made a precautionary visit to Dr. Lewis Yocum in California on Friday after an MRI on his left knee showed some inflammation. Strasburg twisted his left knee and heard a pop while shagging flyballs during a workout in the Arizona Fall League on Thursday. Yocum recommended rest and therapy for the knee, however surgery will not be necessary. He should be on track for spring training.

Crisis averted, I guess, however with the injury we are robbed of yet another opportunity to see him pitch on the national stage. The 21-year-old phenom was scheduled to start for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the AFL Championship Game against Peoria on Saturday, televised by MLB Network. Strasburg was previously scratched from a start in the AFL's "Rising Stars" game due to a stiff neck. Guess we'll have to wait until spring training.

Strasburg finishes the AFL at 4-1 with a 4.26 ERA and a 23/7 K/BB in 19 innings.