Pedro Astacio might return to Houston, but I find that unlikely. The Brewers may try to pursue the righty as they have had moderate success with several former Colorado pitchers acquired in the last few years. With injuries plaguing their rotation, Milwaukee definitely needs to add another possible starter through free agency or a trade. A less obvious choice may be Philadelphia. The Phillies have had some good luck with getting production out of pitchers other clubs have passed over as overly risky. A healthy Astacio would give Philly the #2 starter that they need to contend.

John Burkett will be 38 in December. He was an All-Star in 2001 despite some late season struggles. If the Braves can re-sign him at a good price, I would look for Burkett in Atlanta next season. Otherwise, the Pirates might be the aging pitcher's best option. Pittsburgh could use a middle of the rotation starter. (Actually, the Pirates could use almost any starter, including the guy who shoots off the gun to start the Indy 500.) Whatever team signs Burkett should beware of offering too many years in the deal, or he will wear out his welcome before the contract is up.

Steve Karsay could very well end up in Texas where the Rangers might be willing to let him to start. That would be a very bad idea; he will re-injure himself unless he stays in a relief role. St. Louis might also look at Karsay depending on how much money they allocate to improving their bullpen.

Hideo Nomo's No-No may have been too early in the year for it to help him in obtaining a raise. The Red Sox appear to be swerving erratically back and forth, to and fro, from one path to another. For Boston, the easiest thing to do might be to re-sign Nomo as the team will need a replacement if they let him leave. The White Sox are looking for a veteran starter to bolster their rotation, and Nomo might fit well there for a few years. Also don't discount Colorado, as Nomo's other no-hitter occurred at Coors.

Ismael Valdes, Blister Master, had a decent rebound year with Anahiem. Despite a lot of innings on his still young arm, he could easily repeat his past successes as long as he stays away from hitter's parks. Provided he doesn't re-sign with the Angels, he could land on the Phillies or if he's lucky, with the Tigers.

David Wells cannot be forgotten given his playoff success and potential dominance. If fully healthy in 2002, he could be a bargain for some club (not the White Sox). Potential bidders include both New York teams and Toronto. Don't be shocked to see a smaller market team like the Athletics gamble here; he retains significant upside.

Terry Adams won't re-sign with LA, because he wants to continue to start. The former closer-in-waiting appears to like opening ballgames, and doesn't even really possess closer skills anyway. Seattle has some interest, but Adams could wind up on almost any team willing to pay him four or five million a year.

Josias Manzanillo is perhaps the best pitcher of this entire class. He has consistently posted solid K/BB and K/IP numbers, enabling him to close for almost any team in the league. Todd Jones has a promising future as a columnist, but if your local team signs him instead of Manzanillo, its okay for you to be sad. Manzanillo should even receive less money than almost any reliever of his kind because of his relatively low profile, but this is the kind of pitcher that teams should target. Pittsburgh should re-sign him since they have no internal closing options, but he could provide significant bullpen depth for anyone with some money to spend on middle relief.

Rickey Gutierrez is the best available SS in the 2001 free agent class, but bidding may be depressed due to the possibile availability of two quality young shortstops in a contraction draft. If the Cubs don't re-sign either Gutierrez or Eric Young, Rey Sanchez or Jose Vizcaino might make a return trip to the Chicago. Detroit also needs a shortstop as they naively believe that Deivi Cruz, a Rule 5 pick kept to start at short because of his defense, has the bat for third base.

Chuck Knoblauch is unlikely to return to the Yankees next season. The Royals may turn to him as a possible lead-off man. I strongly suspect that the publicity of his throwing problems at second base(remember when he beaned Mrs. Olbermann?) will result in some lucky team finding a great bargain. Knoblauch still has the potential to be an All-Star leadoff hitter on a team that can afford a leftfielder without much power. Imagine Seattle's offense with Knoblauch hitting between Ichiro and Olerud.

Tino Martinez may be left waiting while Jason Giambi decides on his destination. If the Yankees decide not to pursue Giambi vigorously, they may choose to re-sign Martinez (as primarily a DH) to retain some lineup stability while they work rookies Nick Johnson and Drew Henson into their infield corners. However, other teams like the Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles may try to make him preemptive offers. Even the Red Sox may consider trying to steal some Yankee mojo by signing Tino.

Charles Johnson and the Marlins have agreed to December 3rd as the new date for the catcher to decide on his option for free agency. I expect Johnson to stay in Florida under most circumstances unless teams take their time in signing free agents; he'll only leave if he knows he can find a better deal.

I apologize for repeatedly naming the same clubs as interested in the same kind of player. However, several teams have money to spend in a specific area and will use it to acquire a certain type of player.