Several players on both teams in the World Series are pending free agents, including some big names. Today, I want to take a look at whether their organizations are likely to retain them and if not where they might land.

The starting shortstops of both teams are free agents, and I expect St. Louis to pursue Edgar Renteria vigorously, while Boston makes a robust effort to retain Orlando Cabrera. If both fail, the two players could easily swap teams. Meanwhile, numerous clubs are in the hunt for shortstops this winter, so the Cubs, White Sox, Mariners, Giants, Angels, and Diamondbacks likely all will court these World Series veterans.

The White Sox seem to think the grass will be greener without left-handed hitter Jose Valentin, a decision the club may regret in January when they've been priced out of the biding on the big names and Valentin has found an organization that will respect his talents. On the north side of Chicago, the Cubs plan to negotiate with right-handed hitter Nomar Garciaparra but definitely seem to be wondering if they should simply have kept right-handed hitter Cabrera rather than forwarding him to Boston in the Garciaparra deal. Playing in the same division as the Cardinals, the Cubs also are familiar with the upside of the right-handed hitting Renteria. Along with Garciaparra and Valentin, switch-hitter Omar Vizquel and right-handed hitter Barry Larkin will be available to those who miss out on Renteria and Cabrera.

Elsewhere in the middle infield, both left-handed hitter Tony Womack and right-handed hitter Pokey Reese are free agents. The Cardinals seem satisfied with Womack and have few options at second, so I expect St. Louis to make an effort to re-sign him. Reese probably will depart Boston and seems like a potential fit for the Yankees. The White Sox and Royals also may express interest in the Pokey Little Middle Infielder.

Both teams also have free agents behind the plate. Despite C-R Yadir Molina's ascent to the majors, I expect right-handed hitter Mike Matheny to remain with the Cardinals for the foreseeable future as long as Tony LaRussa continues to manage the club. Meanwhile, the Red Sox should make a fervent effort to hold on to switch-hitter Jason Varitek. Likewise, I will be disappointed if Boston does not retain right-handed hitter Doug Mirabelli to continue to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball.

I do not expect the Cardinals to re-sign left-handed hitter John Mabry. Mabry likely will test the market looking for a comfy reserve role, as several teams should show interest in adding someone with his offensive upside, who also can play the infield and outfield corners.

St. Louis faces a choice between picking up RHP Woody Williams' $8M option or exercising their $400,000 buyout on that option and pursuing RHP Matt Morris or another free agent. I do not expect the Cardinals to invest substantial resources in more than one starter this off-season, and I think the club will choose to Williams over Morris based on the recent pasts of both pitchers. Provided he leaves St. Louis, the White Sox, Phillies, Angels, Mariners, and Dodgers may all express interest in Morris.

The Red Sox stand to lose two starters, as both RHP Derek Lowe and RHP Pedro Martinez are free agents. While I think his post-season success may have smoothed relations between Lowe and Boston, I expect him to depart. The Michigan native may find a fit with Detroit, though among others the Mariners could also pursue him as a starter. I suspect a couple of clubs to look at Lowe as a reliever, however I believe he will attempt to find a position in a rotation.

With Martinez, I think his performance tonight could factor heavily into whether he remains with the Red Sox. Boston probably will be more inclined to hold on to a World Series hero while a disappointing outing could lead them to lowball the Hall of Famer. Although I do not expect Martinez to give the Red Sox a substantial discount, the fact he encouraged DH-L David Ortiz to re-sign makes me believe that he will accept a competitive offer from Boston.

The Cardinals may make an effort to re-sign RHP Cal Eldred, but I suspect the Red Sox will allow both RHP Curt Leskanic and LHP Mike Myers to look elsewhere.