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)

The wheels were set in motion for Josh Johnson to join a sterling class of free agent starters in two years when he and the Marlins reached an impasse in contract talks on Friday.

Agent Matt Sosnick told ESPN.com that he and Johnson were using the four-year, $38 million contract that Zack Greinke signed a year ago as a framework for a new deal with the Marlins. Florida, though, was only willing to guarantee Johnson three years.

If the Marlins could have signed Johnson to the Greinke deal, it would have been a bargain. With a career ERA of 3.40 in 481 1/3 innings, Johnson has a better track record than Greinke did entering 2009. He went 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA and a 191/68 K/BB ratio last season, and that was as a groundball pitcher working in front of a poor infield defense. He allowed just 14 homers. His 3.06 FIP (Fielder Independent Pitching) was the seventh-best mark in baseball.

Since they control him for two more years and they expect to contend next season, there's little reason for the Marlins to trade Johnson this winter. Still, they could if bowled over with an offer. If Johnson were a free agent, there's little doubt that he'd land a bigger contract than any available pitcher, John Lackey included.

Barring an extension, Johnson will be a part of 2011-12 free-agent class that could also include Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander, Matt Cain, Wandy Rodriguez and Edwin Jackson.

The Red Sox have discussed Matt Holliday, Adrian Beltre, Mike Gonzalez and Rick Ankiel with agent Scott Boras, the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports.

There are no big surprises in the list. Holliday may well have taken over as Boston's top priority following Jason Bay's decision to reject a four-year, $60 million offer. That's not to say that Bay is being ruled out, but the Red Sox could essentially exchange the two and actually pick up a draft pick in the process.

My guess is that the Red Sox would target Beltre, rather than Chone Figgins, to take over at third base in the event of a Mike Lowell deal. Lowell, though, will be very difficult to move.

Gonzalez is another long shot, as teams figure to inquire about him as a closer. The Red Sox might be willing to offer him $5 million per year as a setup man, but that probably won't get the job done.

Ankiel would have made more sense for the Red Sox before the Jeremy Hermida acquisition. Both are left-handed-hitting outfielders with considerable upside. However, it's doubtful that the Red Sox would be willing to pencil in either as a regular.

MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reported Friday that the Blue Jays initiated contact with the Cubs on a potential Roy Halladay deal.

Muskat doesn't believe anything will happen with the Cubs in that regard, but, if true, it's still awfully interesting that the Jays are calling around to discuss Halladay with other teams. That suggests a deal is a lot more likely to take place than if they were just sitting back and waiting for the Yankees, Red Sox and others to come to them.

Chicago wouldn't work for Halladay given the team's needs. The Cubs already employ three starting pitchers making eight figures per year in Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly, and the team is primarily interested in upgrading the offense.

Friday was the last day for teams to add prospects to the 40-man roster in advance of next month's Rule 5 draft. That resulted in plenty of minor moves of interest mostly to geeks like me:

*The Red Sox claimed reliever Robert Manuel off waivers from the Mariners.

Manuel, 26, was the return from the Reds for Wladimir Balentien this summer. He had a 1.25 ERA and a 103/18 K/BB ratio in 86 2/3 innings while spending most of 2008 in Double-A and a 2.88 ERA and a 49/16 K/BB ratio in 65 2/3 innings for two Triple-A teams last season. Still, no one takes him very seriously because he's primarily a high-80s guy and his slider doesn't have a whole lot of break. He deserves an extended chance, but he'll be a long shot to make the Red Sox out of spring training.

*The White Sox added former shortstop Sergio Santos to their 40-man roster.

Working as a reliever for the first time, Santos, the Diamondbacks' first-round pick in 2002, had an 8.16 ERA and a 30/20 K/BB ratio in 28 2/3 innings in four minor league stops last season. He's currently at 6.14 with a 20/10 K/BB ratio in 14 2/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League. Obviously, the White Sox see some promise here. What makes this especially interesting, though, is that, as far as I can tell, Santos is out of options, having used them all up during his time as an infield prospect.

That means he'll have to clear waivers if the White Sox want to send him down at the end of the spring. In theory, they would have had a better chance of keeping him had they declined to protect him now, since if he went unpicked in the Rule 5 draft, he wouldn't have had to go on waivers next spring.

*The Orioles claimed catcher Craig Tatum off waivers from the Reds.

It's hard to believe the Orioles could find room for another standard-issue No. 3 catcher on their 40-man, but not Steve Johnson, the second prospect they acquired along with Josh Bell from the Dodgers for George Sherrill. Johnson went 12-7 with a 3.41 ERA and a 154/62 K/BB ratio in 145 1/3 IP between Single-A and Double-A last season, but he'll be available to everyone in the Rule 5 draft.

Tatum is a fine defender, but he brings absolutely nothing to the table from an offensive standpoint. He's minor league-contract material.

From the Denver Post's Troy Renck comes the news that the Rockies are looking to sign starting second baseman Clint Barmes to a two-year deal with an option for 2012 that would buy out his first year of free agency.

On the surface, it might not seem like a bad idea at all. Having received 500 at-bats for the first time in his career, Barmes delivered 23 homers and 76 RBI last season. He's also, without a doubt, one of the game's best defensive second baseman. Furthermore, he won't be particularly expensive. Barmes made $1.6 million in his first season of arbitration. He's set for a nice raise after putting up such fine power numbers, probably to $3.5 million or so. Another year as a starter would get him up to about $5 million, so the Rockies could potentially save themselves some money if they could sign him for about $7.5 million.

Or they could save themselves far more by trading him and turning second base over to Eric Young Jr.

Barmes' ample power production last season was a nice surprise, but it came with a .245 average and a dreadful .294 OBP. He had a 121/31 K/BB ratio in 550 at-bats. His career OBP is .299. He's also a poor basestealer, getting thrown out on 10 of his 22 attempts last season.

Barmes has also been a huge offensive liability outside of Coors Field throughout his career. A big flyball hitter, he's taken huge advantage of baseball's most spacious outfield to hit .294/.336/.479 at home in his career. On the road, though, he falls all of the way to .222/.262/.351. Last year, he came in at .207/.251/.380 outside of Coors Field.

To put that in perspective, Neifi Perez was a career .267/.297/.375 hitter.

Young is about as different from Barmes as a second baseman can be. He doesn't have any power, but he's turned into a legitimate top-of-the-order threat, which is something the Rockies clearly need. The second-generation major leaguer hit .299/.387/.430 with 58 steals in 72 attempts for Triple-A Colorado Springs last season.

That's not to say he's a sure thing. He was less successful in 57 major league at-bats, coming in at .246/.295/.316. Also, for all of his speed, he's a lesser defender than Barmes. He's made a ton of progress these last two years, but he still might fit best as a major league utilityman.

For that reason, I'd support the idea of the Rockies keeping Barmes around for another year, but it should be with the thought that Young could overtake him and push him into a reserve role at some point. There's no good reason to commit to Barmes for 2011 just yet. He's turning 31 in March, and it's entirely possible that 2008 and '09 will go down as his best years as a major leaguer.

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

This is part seven 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 are the starting pitchers.

John Lackey (Angels) - Lackey is obviously the class of this year's group of pitchers, but he's missed pieces of the last two seasons and his numbers are trending in the wrong direction. That he stands so far out in front of the rest of the options might cause some club to offer him Barry Zito money. Zito, though, entered free agency having thrown at least 210 innings in each of his six full seasons in the majors. Lackey has hit that mark twice in seven seasons, and with a career 3.81 ERA, he doesn't have quite the same track record that Zito did. He's received Cy Young votes just once in his career, finishing in third place in 2007. While he ranks among the game's top 20 starting pitchers right now, a third elbow injury in three years could change that in a hurry. The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Mariners look like the best bets to contend with the Angels for his services. The Angels should have the funds to keep him, but expectations are that he'll depart. Prediction: Yankees - six years, $102 million

Aroldis Chapman (FA) - Chapman has already met with a bunch of teams, and unlike the rest of the free agents, he's been fair game to sign with anyone for the last few weeks. Still, there's been nothing to suggest anything is close to happening. The hard-throwing lefty is probably too wild to succeed as a major league starter now, but it's possible he could contribute as a reliever right away and he has a world of potential as a starter. I'm still guessing that he will end up somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million. The Yankees and Red Sox are the clear favorites for his services, with Seattle a possibility as a long shot. Teams like the Mets, Angels and Dodgers will need to spend their available funds on someone more likely to provide an immediate impact. Prediction: Yankees - six years, $48 million

Randy Wolf (Dodgers) - Two full seasons after four injury-plagued ones should get Wolf a multiyear contract this time. He had the chance to re-sign with the Astros for three years last winter, but he held out for more money. In the end, he had to settle for one year, but it will work out well for him, since he can now look forward to significantly bigger payday after going 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA in a career-high 214 1/3 innings for the Dodgers. One would think the Dodgers would try hard to re-sign him. They have a big need, and he might be willing to accept a slight discount to stay in Southern California. However, few seem to think that he'll be back. The Mariners and Mets might be the favorites here. That Wolf, like Lackey, will require draft-pick compensation could cause the Brewers to shy away. They're the only two available starters to qualify as Type A free agents. Prediction: Mariners - three years, $36 million

Ben Sheets (Brewers) - Sheets was originally expected to attempt an August comeback from surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, but he didn't progress as hoped and he ended up sitting out the season. He's still on track to be fully healthy in spring training, and with Tim Hudson off the board, I think he now qualifies as the best investment among free agent starters. There are still questions about his arm, but his surgery wasn't one of the big ones and it's not unreasonable to think that he could match Lackey going forward. I expect the Red Sox and Yankees to be involved, and I'd be listing Boston as the favorites here if I didn't already give them Matt Holliday. He shouldn't have to settle for a one-year deal, though he might prefer to go that route so that he can rebuild his value. Prediction: Rangers - two years, $20 million

Rich Harden (Cubs) - Harden would seem to be the one free agent starter capable of leading a league in ERA next year. Of course, he'd have to qualify for the title first. He's done it just once in his career, that happening back in 2004. Harden finished with a 2.07 ERA in 26 starts in 2008, but he was awfully inconsistent last season and ended up with a 4.09 ERA. Even with his velocity down, he racked up 171 strikeouts in 141 innings. However, he also walked 67 and averaged just 5.4 innings per start. Because he's such a high-risk pitcher, he only really makes sense for a large-market club willing to gamble. The Red Sox, Yankees and Mariners would seem to be in the best position to take him on, though it's possible the Nationals or Orioles could try their luck with him. Prediction: Orioles - two years, $18 million

Jarrod Washburn (Tigers) - Washburn just needs to find one team more willing to look at the 2.64 ERA from the first four months of 2009 than the 4.55 ERA from his first three seasons in Seattle and the 7.33 ERA from his eight starts in Detroit. In his defense, he was pitching with a bum knee for the Tigers. The surgery was minor, and he should be 100 percent next year. Washburn, though, is a 35-year-old flyball pitcher with no strikeout pitch. Send him back to Seattle or maybe San Diego and he'll probably turn in a couple of more decent seasons. If he's thrown into an average ballpark and given an average outfield defense, he'll likely be quite a bust. The Twins and Brewers seem to have the most interest in him. Prediction: Twins - two years, $17 million

Joel Pineiro (Cardinals) - Pineiro is right there with Wolf as far as having delivered the best 2009 entering free agency. Suddenly a pure sinkerballer, Pineiro had the top groundball rate of any qualified starter last season and walked just 27 batters in 214 innings. It was an incredible performance from a guy who hadn't turned in a quality season since 2003. That he has just the one year of encouraging results could hurt him much like it did Wolf last winter. But there are so few pitchers ahead of him that it's easy to see him getting a three-year deal worth $7 million-$8 million per season. The Mets, Brewers, Nationals and Dodgers figure to inquire. Prediction: Brewers - three years, $22.5 million

Andy Pettitte (Yankees) - Once again, it's almost surely either a return to the Yankees or retirement for Pettitte. He's talked for years about calling it quits, and it's doubtful that he'll ever get a chance to leave on a higher note. While he wasn't outstanding in the regular season, finishing 14-8 with a 4.16 ERA, he went 4-0 in five postseason starts, with the final win coming in the World Series finale. If Pettitte does choose to come back, he shouldn't have to settle for such an incentive-laden deal again. The Yankees took advantage of his loyalty in guaranteeing him just $5.5 million last season, though he ended up earning $10.5 million in all. Prediction: Yankees - one year, $10 million plus incentives

Brad Penny (Giants) - It certainly didn't work out in Boston, but Penny had great velocity throughout 2009 and the results to match came after he joined the Giants, as he went 4-1 with a 2.59 ERA in six starts. Odds are that he'll stick in the NL now, but he'd be a fine investment for just about any team in the circuit. The Giants figure to ask him back, and the Brewers would be smart to make a play. Prediction: Brewers - two years, $16 million

Vicente Padilla (Dodgers) - Even with the dud in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Phillies, Padilla did more for his stock in September and October than any other free agent pitcher. He was 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in seven starts and a relief appearance after signing with the Dodgers, and he was dominant in his first two postseason starts before giving up six runs in his third and final outing. Including the postseason, he had a 51/16 K/BB ratio in 56 2/3 IP for the Dodgers. As a Ranger, he came in at 59/42 in 108 IP. Padilla needs to stay in the NL now. He's probably looking at another multiyear deal as a result of the strong finish, and the Dodgers may well be the team to give it to him. Prediction: Dodgers - two years, $15 million

Jon Garland (Dodgers) - Following a rough first two months, Garland had a 3.35 ERA in 147 2/3 innings from June through the end of the season. He even posted a 65/21 K/BB ration after the All-Star break, which is simply incredible for him. Still, he was overtaken by Padilla late and left out of the Dodgers' postseason rotation. Garland's reputation was certainly overblown as a result of back-to-back 18-win seasons in 2005 and '06, but he's actually underrated now. He's still just 30, he's made 32 starts in eight straight seasons and he's never had a truly awful year. The Diamondbacks should consider inviting him back, and he could be viewed as a replacement for Pineiro in St. Louis. Prediction: Athletics - one year, $7.5 million

Doug Davis (Diamondbacks) - The annual 1.5 WHIP sure isn't pretty, but Davis is an awfully durable fourth starter and that has some value. Contenders will probably shy away, but I don't necessarily think AL clubs should be as wary of him as they typically are of mediocre NL starters. Davis seems to find ways survive against quality offenses, and his interleague track record is pretty good. Prediction: Nationals - two years, $12 million

Carl Pavano (Twins) - After throwing a total of 145 2/3 innings in four seasons as a Yankee, Pavano was able to go 199 1/3 for the Indians and Twins last season. He was hardly great in the process -- he finished with a 5.10 ERA -- but his K/BB ratio and WHIP were solid throughout. His FIP ERA was 4.00. Obviously, Pavano would be a poor risk on a multiyear deal, but there should be plenty of teams interested in signing him for a year: Seattle, Milwaukee, Arizona and St. Louis to name a few. The Twins will also make an effort to re-sign him. Prediction: Diamondbacks - one year, $7 million

Jason Marquis (Rockies) - Marquis cost himself a bunch of money late. He was among the major league leaders in wins for much of the first half, but he came in at 4-7 with a 4.56 ERA after the break and the Rockies left him out of their postseason rotation. Marquis has made it clear that his desire is to pitch for the Mets, and he could fit right into their price range. They'll likely try to do better first, but it's possible Marquis will get his wish. The Nationals and Brewers could also look at him. It seems unlikely that any AL teams will get involved. Prediction: Mets - two years, $10 million

Pedro Martinez (Phillies) - Martinez intends to put in a full season in 2010 after going 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine regular-season starts and 0-2 with a 3.71 ERA in the postseason for the Phillies. Of course, it'd be insane to pencil him in to make 30 starts, something he hasn't done since 2005. But he still has enough life on his pitches to justify a $5 million-$6 million salary. The team that signs him just has to hope that he'll be healthy at the right time. Prediction: Marlins - one year, $5 million

Brett Myers (Phillies) - Myers seems like a lock for a one-year deal after experiencing diminished velocity and unsatisfactory results following his return from hip surgery. It's admirable that he tried to come back so quickly, but he probably didn't do himself any favors headed into free agency. He could choose to market himself either as a starter or as a late-game reliever. One thing is for certain: he won't be back with the Phillies. Prediction: Rangers - one year, $4 million plus incentives

John Smoltz (Cardinals) - Smoltz is open to returning to the American League or signing as a closer, but he'd likely be the most comfortable staying in the NL as a starting pitcher. A return to St. Louis would be the best possible scenario for him, and the Cardinals should be interested in re-signing him as long as he doesn't try to hold out for too long. Prediction: Cardinals - one year, $4 million plus incentives

Erik Bedard (Mariners) - Bedard is likely to miss at least the first month and perhaps the first half of next season after August surgery to fix his labrum and an inflated bursa. So, he's probably looking an incentive-laden one-year deal, potentially with a lucrative option for 2011. The Mariners haven't ruled out re-signing him, and large-market clubs like the Red Sox, Yankees and Angels could be involved. Prediction: Red Sox - one year, $4 million plus incentives

Randy Johnson (Giants) - Now that he has his 300 victories, there just isn't much reason for Johnson to try to gut it out for another year. His rotator cuff tear won't simply go away, and surgery to repair it would likely cost him at least half of his age-46 season. It's surely not worth it at this stage of his career. Prediction: Retirement

Braden Looper (Brewers) - The Brewers didn't think it was worth keeping Looper around for $6.5 million next season and bought him out for $1 million instead. Looper did give the team innings last season and somehow managed to go 14-7 with his 5.22 ERA, but given his modest strikeout rate, he needs a much better defense behind him than that provided by the Brewers. Another NL team will likely sign him for $3 million-$4 million. Prediction: Padres - one year, $3.5 million

Justin Duchscherer (Athletics) - Duchscherer would seem to owe it to Oakland to come back for another season at a discount after giving them nothing for their $3.9 million in 2009. The A's, though, are prepared to let him go. Duchscherer never pitched in the majors last season after what was described as minor elbow surgery at the end of the spring. Just when it seemed he was set to return in August, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with depression and he was taking the rest of the season off. As if those items weren't sufficiently visible red flags, Duchscherer also has a long history of back problems. Given that he was an All-Star in 2008, he can hardly be dismissed entirely. However, he's a long shot to give a team 180 innings. Prediction: Angels - one year, $2 million plus incentives

Other free agents: Noel Arguelles (FA), Jose Contreras (Rockies), Todd Wellemeyer (Cardinals), Kelvim Escobar (Angels), Livan Hernandez (Nationals), Paul Byrd (Red Sox), Jeff Weaver (Dodgers), Noah Lowry (Giants), Brett Tomko (Athletics), Eric Milton (Dodgers), Chris Capuano (Brewers), Rich Hill (Orioles), Daniel Cabrera (Diamondbacks), Kris Benson (Rangers), Edgar Gonzalez (Athletics), Zach Jackson (Indians), Kason Gabbard (Red Sox), Lenny DiNardo (Royals), Josh Towers (Yankees), Adam Eaton (Rockies), Josh Banks (Padres), Justin Lehr (Reds), Virgil Vasquez (Pirates), Bruce Chen (Royals), Jason Schmidt (Dodgers), Mike Hampton (Astros)

Arguelles, the other Cuban defector, is a 20-year-old lefty reputed to throw in the low-90s. He's still flying under the radar at the moment, but that could change after some workouts this winter. ... Contreras was better last season than his 4.92 ERA indicates, and he deserves a guaranteed rotation spot. He could be a nice pickup for $2 million or so. ... With his velocity down a bit, Wellemeyer was a bust last season. However, he had a 3.71 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 191 2/3 innings for the Cardinals in 2008. He'll come cheap, and he offers nice upside.

Escobar is a complete wild card at this point. He didn't undergo another shoulder surgery after his June setback, so he should be ready to pitch in spring training. Still, it's far too early to tell whether he'll be able to start games again. ... Byrd remains a capable fourth or fifth starter, but he may opt for retirement for real this time. ... Lowry could be interesting if healthy, and his agent says he is. I'll believe it when I see it. ... Schmidt is expected to retire, and Hampton will miss next season after shoulder surgery.

Trade candidates: Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Roy Halladay (Blue Jays - NTC), Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Edwin Jackson (Tigers), Javier Vazquez (Braves - limited NTC), Ricky Nolasco (Marlins), Carlos Zambrano (Cubs - NTC), Jonathan Sanchez (Giants), Zach Duke (Pirates), Aaron Harang (Reds), Bronson Arroyo (Reds), Francisco Liriano (Twins), Brandon Morrow (Mariners), Manny Parra (Brewers), John Maine (Mets), Glen Perkins (Twins), Michael Bowden (Red Sox), Armando Galarraga (Tigers), Brian Bannister (Royals), Kevin Correia (Padres), Andy Sonnanstine (Rays), Kevin Millwood (Rangers - limited NTC), Derek Lowe (Braves), Kenshin Kawakami (Braves), Collin Balester (Nationals), Kyle Kendrick (Phillies), Kyle Davies (Royals), Micah Owings (Reds), Ian Kennedy (Yankees), Jo-Jo Reyes (Braves), Garrett Olson (Mariners), Antonio Bastardo (Phillies), Matt Maloney (Reds), Eric Stults (Dodgers), Kei Igawa (Yankees), Dana Eveland (Athletics), Mitch Talbot (Rays), David Purcey (Blue Jays), Drew Carpenter (Phillies)

Halladay is obviously more likely to go than Hernandez, and it would change the above predictions a great deal if he suddenly became a Yankee in the near future. ... As for the other bigger names, I think Harang and Lowe are the best bets to be traded. Arroyo is getting more play as the pitcher the Reds may part with, but Harang figures to draw more interest around the league and I'm really not sure he's the better pitcher of the two at this point. The Braves will likely have to subsidize a portion of Lowe's contract to move him, but they'd likely prefer that route to trading Vazquez.

Non-tender candidates: Chien-Ming Wang (Yankees), John Maine (Mets), Kyle Davies (Royals), David Bush (Brewers), Scott Olsen (Nationals), Dustin McGowan (Blue Jays), Tim Redding (Mets), Boof Bonser (Twins), Dustin Moseley (Angels), Brad James (Astros), Anthony Lerew (Royals)

It's always possible the two sides could work out something over the next couple of weeks, but my guess is that the Yankees will non-tender Wang and then re-sign him later. Maybe there would be a market for someone with his upside, but there's simply no telling what he'll look like next spring after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his shoulder capsule. ... Maine is due only $3 million-$3.5 million, so the Mets need to bring him back and hope for the best. Redding, though, should be a goner. ... I'm skeptical that Davies is worth the $1.7 million-$2 million that he'll command, but indications are that the Royals will keep him. ... Bush is almost certainly done in Milwaukee, and Olsen should have to take a paycut to stay in Washington. I'm guessing that McGowan and Bonser will keep their spots.

2010-11 free agents: Roy Halladay (Blue Jays), Cliff Lee (Phillies), Josh Beckett (Red Sox), Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks), Javier Vazquez (Braves), Ted Lilly (Cubs), Joe Blanton (Phillies), Aaron Harang (Reds)*, Jeff Francis (Rockies)*, Jorge De La Rosa (Rockies), Kevin Millwood (Rangers), Hiroki Kuroda (Dodgers), Chris Young (Padres)*, Bronson Arroyo (Reds)*, Jake Westbrook (Indians), David Bush (Brewers), Kevin Correia (Padres), Jeff Suppan (Brewers)*, Freddy Garcia (White Sox), Nate Robertson (Tigers), Jamie Moyer (Phillies), Jeremy Bonderman (Tigers), Brian Moehler (Astros), Dontrelle Willis (Tigers)

2011 options: Harang - $12.75 million ($2 million buyout), Francis - $7 million, Young - $8.5 million, Arroyo - $11 million-$13 million ($2 million buyout), Suppan - $12.75 million ($2 million buyout)

2011-12 free agents: Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Justin Verlander (Tigers), Josh Johnson (Marlins), Matt Cain (Giants), Adam Wainwright (Cardinals)*, Chris Carpenter (Cardinals)*, Wandy Rodriguez (Astros), Edwin Jackson (Tigers), Aaron Cook (Rockies)*, Ryan Dempster (Cubs)*, Mark Buehrle (White Sox), Gil Meche (Royals), Roy Oswalt (Astros)*, Scott Kazmir (Angels)*, Zach Duke (Pirates), Paul Maholm (Pirates)*, Oliver Perez (Mets), Chien-Ming Wang (Yankees), John Maine (Mets), Kenshin Kawakami (Braves), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox), Brandon McCarthy (Rangers), Carlos Silva (Mariners)*, Scott Olsen (Nationals)

2012 options: Wainwright - $21 million club option for 2012-13, Carpenter - $15 million ($1 million buyout), Cook - $11 million mutual option ($500,000 buyout), Dempster - $14 million player option, Oswalt - $16 million mutual option ($2 million buyout), Kazmir - $13.5 million ($2.5 million buyout), Maholm - $9.75 million ($750,000 buyout), Silva - $12 million mutual option ($2 million buyout)

On the day before teams could officially make offers to another team's free agents, most of the talk from GMs and owners related to which players they wouldn't pursue.

*As we touched on earlier, the Angels are out on Matt Holliday.

*The Giants say it's doubtful that they'll be involved in the chase for Holliday or Jason Bay.

*The Dodgers are looking for starting pitching and may put together a package for Roy Halladay, but they won't pursue John Lackey, says the Los Angeles Times.

*A source told the Chicago Tribune that the Cubs won't try for Pedro Martinez.

*We also learned earlier this week that the Tigers won't attempt to re-sign summer acquisitions Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff.

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, who suddenly joined twitter a mere two days after I whined about his absence mentions that that the Braves were turned down by the Brewers after offering Derek Lowe for Corey Hart.

It wasn't a tough call for Milwaukee. Hart's stock is way down from a year ago and he likely could be had in the right deal, but he's not particularly expensive. He'll probably command $4 million-$4.5 million in arbitration, and he's still two years away from free agency.

Lowe, on the other hand, is due $45 million for three years. The Brewers could really use someone with his ability to eat innings, but no one is looking at Lowe as an asset at that price after his disappointing 2009 season.

The Brewers would almost surely jump if the Braves instead offered Javier Vazquez for Hart, but it's doubtful Atlanta will go that route.