Baltimore Orioles

SS-R Mike Bordick is the only Oriole eligible for free agency, and if the Orioles choose not to re-sign him he may retire. Baltimore declined RHP Pat Hentgen's option for next year but immediately re-signed the pitcher to a one-year deal with an option. The Orioles are the leading candidate to sign DH-R Frank Thomas away from the White Sox despite their plethora of first basemen, designated hitters and outfielders. Baltimore is also interested in both OF-L Cliff Floyd and 1B-L Jim Thome.

Boston Red Sox

The following Red Sox are eligible for free agency: RHP Rolando Arrojo, IF-S Carlos Baerga, RHP Frank Castillo, 1B-S Tony Clark, LHP Alan Embree, OF-L Cliff Floyd, OF-R Rickey Henderson, SS-R Rey Sanchez, and RHP Ugueth Urbina.

Boston is highly interested in re-signing Embree, although while they will offer Urbina arbitration, he's less likely to return. They might bring Arrojo back if the price is right, but Castillo will find other employment in 2003. Boston holds options on RHP Tim Wakefield and RHP Dustin Hermanson. I expect the Red Sox to pick up Wakefield's option while allowing Hermanson to depart as a free agent.

Although Floyd believes that the Red Sox will re-sign him, I'm less certain. I think they will take a good look at the market before bringing him back and probably opt against it, as he doesn't fit their needs. Boston most likely at least will offer Sanchez arbitration, and depending on the new General Manager, they may very well bring him back for next season. Clark is headed elsewhere after their seemingly intelligent gamble went bust. Baerga might return on a minor league deal.

Rickey won't retire, but Rickey also won't remain in Boston. I'm not sure where Rickey will land, but Rickey still has a good deal to offer.

New York Yankees

The following Yankees are eligible for free agency: IF-R Alex Arias, C-R Alberto Castillo, RHP Roger Clemens, CR-R Ron Coomer, RHP Ramiro Mendoza, LHP Mike Stanton, RHP Mike Thurman, OF-L John Vander Wal, CR-L Robin Ventura, and C-R Chris Widger.

Arias, Castillo, and Coomer will likely head elsewhere, probably looking to find jobs in Spring Training as non-roster invitees. Widger may sign a minor league deal, but they could easily bring in someone new. New York won't bring back Vander Wal, so he'll likely look for work as a pinch-hitter in the National League. The Yankees are expected to re-sign Ventura to a one-year deal, perhaps with an option, to bridge the gap between now and the time when 3B-R Drew Henson is ready to start.

Clemens will test free agency, aiming to find a profitable contract, though he'll most likely target a team with a strong chance of success. The Yankees still could re-sign him, though he declined his option to stay with the team. New York holds an option on LHP Andy Pettitte that I expect them to pick up. Stanton should re-sign, but although the Yankees will probably offer Mendoza arbitration, he'll likely look for work elsewhere. Thurman will attempt to find work as a swingman.

This season New York may switch gears and look to the trade market rather than free agents to boost the major league team. I don't expect them to sign any domestic free agents outside of those that would otherwise leave their team.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The following Devil Rays are eligible for free agency: LHP Wilson Alvarez, C-R John Flaherty, and SS-R Chris Gomez. After finally ridding themselves of Alvarez's contract, Tampa Bay may consider offering him a more financially sound deal and will probably offer him arbitration to return as a lefty reliever. Flaherty should depart for another team, as the Devil Rays have no need for him with C-R Toby Hall ready to start. Tampa Bay will look to sign a less prominent back-up. Gomez will hit the free agent market, perhaps stirring interest from the Royals.

Tampa needs to find a shortstop, as they lack a developed internal candidate. Sanchez might fit well with the Devil Rays, if he doesn't re-sign with Boston. The team might also be interested in SS-R Royce Clayton or SS-R Deivi Cruz, although I think Lou Piniella has sufficient influence to keep MI-S Neifi Perez off the team. If they really want to make a splash, they should pursue UT-R Jose Hernandez.

Toronto Blue Jays

The following Blue Jays are eligible for free agency: LHP Felix Heredia, RHP Esteban Loaiza, and RHP Steve Parris. Toronto may opt to re-sign both Loaiza and Parris to incentive laden contracts. However after picking up LHP Doug Creek, the Blue Jays likely will allow Heredia to exit.

Toronto will look to add at least one innings-eater to their rotation, though the recent signings of RHP Doug Linton and LHP Trever Miller fill their need for AAAA swingmen, providing them with more pitching strength and depth than they possessed in 2002. The Blue Jays may also look to make some trades that balance their minor league system, dealing depth to fill out weaker areas.