Big deals are looming at Major League Baseball's winter meetings, which get under way the moment general managers and club officials set foot in the Opryland Hotel tonight in Nashville. The frenzy of trade chatter will likely not conclude until officials leave late Thursday night or Friday morning.
Two-time American League Cy Young winner Johan Santana and Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera remain the two biggest names who could change hands. Trade talks for both have been ongoing for a few weeks.
Other top players who could change teams include St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen, Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada, and Oakland pitchers Dan Haren and Huston Street. The Marlins might entertain a deal for lefthander Dontrelle Willis. More surprising would be Mets shortstop Jose Reyes being moved in a blockbuster deal. Also, high-profile free agents such as Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand could be signed over the next few days.
Here's a closer look what each team might be looking to do:
American League
BALTIMORE. Andy MacPhail could finally deal Tejada, and would have to have his socks knocked off to deal Erik Bedard. He'd move veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez, first baseman Aubrey Huff, outfielder Jay Payton, third baseman Melvin Mora (who'd have to waive a no-trade), and DH Jay Gibbons, but the Orioles do not have to dump salary. They just want to rebuild and will use the vets as chips. MacPhail will build around Nick Markakis, Jeremy Guthrie, Adam Loewen, Brian Roberts, and perhaps Daniel Cabrera. MacPhail would seek a young, major league-ready shortstop, a power-hitting outfielder, and a first baseman if he could move Tejada and/or Bedard.
BOSTON. The Sox are a major player for Santana, who would re-create Pedro Martínez from the left side for them. They are willing to deal their surplus (Coco Crisp), one of their top pitching prospects (Jon Lester or Clay Buchholz), as well as second-tier prospects for Santana. The price will be steep, but a Santana-Josh Beckett tandem would be pretty tough to beat. Beyond that, the Sox might try to bolster their righthanded short relief.
CHICAGO. With Orlando Cabrera on board from the Jon Garland deal, the White Sox would love to move former starting shortstop Juan Uribe (and his $4.5 million salary). The White Sox might move more pitching, even with Garland gone. The likely choice there is Jose Contreras, with the feeling that John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Mark Buehrle, and Javier Vazquez are set, and knuckleballer Charlie Haeger and lefty Heath Phillips, the International League Pitcher of the Year in '06, are ready. The ChiSox have a third base surplus with Joe Crede and Josh Fields (23 homers, .480 slugging percentage), though Crede's health after back surgery is still in question. They're in on Rowand but really need two outfielders. They've talked to Boston about Crisp.
CLEVELAND. The Indians already solved a need with the signing of Japanese righthander Masahide Kobayashi to a two-year deal. Now they need a power corner-outfield bat. There have been some discussions with the Pirates about Jason Bay, and GM Mark Shapiro was in talks with Tampa Bay about Carl Crawford, but that's less likely now that the Rays have made their big deal. The Tribe would deal third base prospect Andy Marte, who is out of options and whose stock has fallen. The Indians would deal lefty Cliff Lee, an 18-game winner in 2005, and lefty Jeremy Sowers and/or Aaron Laffey. Outfielder David Dellucci (two years left at $7.5 million) could be had. Young outfielders Ben Francisco, Shin-Soo Choo, and Franklin Gutierrez also could be included in talks.
DETROIT. Having made a big splash on shortstop Edgar Renteria, the Tigers will try to deepen their starting rotation and add a power bat in left field. One of the rotation issues was solved when the Tigers reupped veteran lefty Kenny Rogers, but they'll also be on the lookout and may consider the Rehab 3 (Matt Clement, Jason Jennings, and Kris Benson) for the fifth starter. Jim Leyland wants another setup man to replace the injured Joel Zumaya. The Tigers are also eyeing Kansas City outfielder David DeJesus, but he might not be available.
KANSAS CITY. The Royals are looking to spend a little more money this winter. They signed Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year deal ($6 million) with an option. They're still after a starter and are said to be in on Japanese righty Hiroki Kuroda while also considering Carlos Silva and the Rehab 3. They need a power bat and are eyeing Jose Guillen.
LOS ANGELES. With six solid starters after obtaining Garland from Chicago, they're likely to deal one of them for either Santana or Cabrera. The Angels could also include one of their young catchers (Mike Napoli or Jeff Mathis) in any deal. Any of their young players - infielder Brandon Wood, righty Nick Adenhart, or outfielder Terry Evans - can be had. The Angels, who have signed Torii Hunter to a five-year, $90 million deal, could also shop Gary Matthews Jr. They are, without a doubt, in the best position of any team to make a big deal.
MINNESOTA. The Twins have a chance to be the showstoppers in Opryland. They will receive a hefty package for Santana. They have already acquired Delmon Young and Brendan Harris from the Rays, and now seek to replace Hunter in center field. They also need a third baseman and a DH who can provide punch from the right side. The Twins won't be shy about moving closer Joe Nathan.
NEW YORK. The Yankees would seem to be more desperate for Santana because they need a No. 1 starter to go against Beckett, and Chien-Ming Wang, based on his hideous playoff performance, is not a No. 1. The Yankees were mulling whether to part with a package that includes center fielder Melky Cabrera and righthander Phil Hughes. They have said no to anyone asking for Joba Chamberlain, but would likely surrender Ian Kennedy and Ross Ohlendorf. At least that's what general manager Brian Cashman would do. What is Hank Steinbrenner thinking? If they don't get Santana, they'll make a run at Haren or, if Baltimore would do it, Bedard. They also need bullpen arms. Free agent righty Luis Vizcaino may return.
OAKLAND. The A's will likely decide in the next few days whether they'll sell off their high-end veterans. That would mean Haren, Street, Joe Blanton, and first baseman Dan Johnson would be available for prospects so Oakland could replenish a depleted farm system. The A's should have plenty of inquiries from the losers in the Santana hunt. There are also teams in need of a closer whom Street could help.
SEATTLE. They'd love to move first baseman Richie Sexson, but the more likely chip is Ben Broussard. They'd listen on second baseman Jose Lopez, and outfielder Raul Ibanez could be trade bait. Their big prospects - outfielder Adam Jones, catcher Jeff Clement, pitcher Brandon Morrow - would be available only in a Santana-level deal. Outfield prospect Wladimir Balentien is also trade bait. The Mariners are looking for two starting pitchers. Japan's Kuroda is a real possibility.
TAMPA BAY. The Rays have been very active already, trading the disgruntled Young and shortstop Harris to the Twins for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett as key parts of a six-player deal. They also signed Troy Percival for the bullpen. The Rays are hoping to add a veteran catcher, and they still have extra outfielders with the comebacking Rocco Baldelli, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, the troubled Elijah Dukes, and prospect Fernando Perez.
TEXAS. They really want a center fielder, and Crisp is on their radar. Andruw Jones could be a possibility if the price is right, as could Mike Cameron. They haven't ruled out going with Marlon Byrd or David Murphy and trying to obtain a corner outfielder. The Rangers have some decent prospects and could part with shortstop Joaquin Arias and catcher Gerald Laird (who is arbitration-eligible), but not likely Jarrod Saltalamacchia, whom everybody, including the Red Sox, seems to want.
TORONTO. The Blue Jays often indicate that they won't do much and then will pull a Frank Thomas out of the hat. This is a team that has to compete with Boston and New York next season. They will deal injury-prone A.J. Burnett, who can opt out of his contract after the season, in the right package. They are trying to move outfielder Reed Johnson, whom they may non-tender, because Adam Lind will take over in left. There's always speculation that Alex Rios will be traded, but that's unlikely. Would anyone take third baseman Troy Glaus? The Jays, who have already acquired Marco Scutaro from Oakland, are also one of a half-dozen teams entertaining the idea of Clement and they have also talked to Michael Barrett as a backup/platoon catcher.
National League
ARIZONA. They'd love a young starter who would be under their control for a few years. Good luck. They do have a few outfielders and corner infielders who could be attractive. One problem is that third baseman Chad Tracy and right fielder Carlos Quentin are coming off surgery, and they would be the bait. Young outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra could be had with Justin Upton now in firm control of an outfield spot. It's unlikely that first baseman Conor Jackson and third baseman Mark Reynolds are going anywhere. The Diamondbacks are looking at former Royals DH Mike Sweeney.
ATLANTA. Replacing Andruw Jones appears to be a top priority. Crisp would have to be an attractive option, though they have protected themselves by acquiring Josh Anderson from Houston, with prospect Jordan Schafer not quite ready. They'd love a lefty reliever and a backup shortstop. With Tom Glavine aboard, they would deal a starting pitcher if they had to, though last week's winter league setback for Mike Hampton (hamstring) could affect that. If Hampton finally enters the mix, they'll have John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Glavine, and Hampton, with Chuck James, Jeff Bennett, Jo-Jo Reyes, and newly acquired Jair Jurrjens (who came in the Renteria trade with Detroit) competing for the fifth spot.
CHICAGO. The Cubs might move reliever Ryan Dempster with Kerry Wood now in the fold as the potential closer. They could also move former Red Sox farmhand outfielder Matt Murton, lefty reliever Will Ohman, shortstop Ronny Cedeno, and possibly a starting pitcher, Jason Marquis or Sean Marshall. There's been a lot of speculation about Mark Prior, who is coming off shoulder surgery and might be non-tendered. GM Jim Hendry might be in the market for a center fielder or left fielder. He's dipping into the Japanese market with interest in outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. He'll also seek a lefthanded hitter off the bench and a No. 2 starter. Kuroda is also on their radar.
CINCINNATI. We'll see whether signing Francisco Cordero to a four-year, $46 million deal was wise. The Reds have outfielders they can move for a starting pitcher, especially with former No. 1 draft pick Jay Bruce ready to take over in center field. Josh Hamilton, Ryan Freel, and Norris Hopper are all available, and third baseman Edwin Encarnacion could also go for a pitcher.
COLORADO. With Yorvit Torrealba back, they're out of the catching market, but they sorely need to revamp their starting rotation. They're willing to deal lefty reliever Brian Fuentes. They'll also offer outfielders Jeff Baker and Cory Sullivan in deals.
FLORIDA. The Phish have the best hitter - Cabrera - to deal. With that very large chip, they hope to land a center fielder, a catcher, and a back-of-the rotation starter. Right now their demands are sky-high. Willis is going to be asked for, but they likely need a big name to go along with Hanley Ramirez to keep fans coming to the ballpark. The Angels appear to be a suitable trade partner on Cabrera, though the Dodgers could also meet their needs if the demands come down.
HOUSTON. With Brad Lidge traded to the Phillies, it would appear the Astros could use a closer, though they might try to solve that in-house. They could use a No. 2 starter after Roy Oswalt. With an upgrade already at second base - reports of free agent Kaz Matsui agreeing on a two-year deal - shortstop could be next.
LOS ANGELES. They've been rumored to be in on everybody from Santana to Cabrera but are very protective of their major league-ready youngsters and won't give up more than two of them in any deal. The Twins and Marlins are looking at righty Chad Billingsley, first baseman James Loney, third baseman Andy LaRoche, outfielder Matt Kemp, and pitching prospects Clayton Kershaw and James McDonald. The Dodgers would likely give up LaRoche, McDonald, and possibly Kemp. They are looking for a veteran third baseman - though they were unwilling to go four years on Mike Lowell - and a center fielder so they can move Juan Pierre to left. Crisp remains a possibility.
MILWAUKEE. The Brew Crew, which were finalizing a one-year deal with Riske late in the week, are looking for relievers after losing Cordero and Scott Linebrink (White Sox), so they might be in on Nathan or Street. The Brewers have a surplus of starting pitching - Chris Capuano, Dave Bush, and Claudio Vargas - to offer. They're also looking for a left fielder after letting Geoff Jenkins hit the highway. Bay is a possibility here as well.
NEW YORK. The Mets need an ace, which is why they're in the Santana derby and will be in on Haren. What exactly they are willing to give remains the riddle. GM Omar Minaya said he's not trading shortstop Jose Reyes, a player the Twins covet. If they include center field prospect Carlos Gomez, the Twins would be giddy. They also have talented outfield prospect Fernando Martinez, though he is said to be untouchable. The Mets, who traded young outfielder Lastings Milledge to Washington Friday for outfielder Ryan Church and catcher Brian Schneider, would gladly trade any of their young pitchers for Santana, including Kevin Mulvey, their top pitching prospect. Phillip Humber and Mike Pelfrey also could be had.
PHILADELPHIA. Acquiring Lidge was huge, but they gave up most of their surplus (OF Michael Bourn, 3B Mike Costanzo, RHP Geoff Geary) in the deal with Houston. They whiffed on Lowell and now need to either re-sign Rowand or acquire another center fielder, and they still need a starting pitcher even with Brett Myers moving back to the rotation. They're always rumored to be a player for Rolen.
PITTSBURGH. Any takers for veteran righty Matt Morris? Never know. Bay will be in demand. They also have relievers Damaso Marte, John Grabow, and Salomon Torres, who could bring a few young prospects. Marte, a lefty, will be highly sought after.
ST. LOUIS. If they could, they would trade Rolen, who is owed $36 million over the next three years and is coming off left shoulder surgery. Add to that his horrible relationship with manager Tony La Russa. The Cardinals would love to move righthanders Anthony Reyes and Brad Thompson and deal outfielder Chris Duncan. They're trying to add two starting pitchers and a power righthanded bat.
SAN DIEGO. GM Kevin Towers loves to deal. He'll try to get a center fielder (Crisp is on his radar), though he might be tempted to bring Cameron back. They could use a corner outfielder with power, a second baseman, and a No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher (they are looking at the Rehab 3). Towers might offer third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff because he has Chase Headley in the wings. They also could move Headley to left field. It's always fun to watch Towers rebuild his bullpen. He's the best in baseball at it.
SAN FRANCISCO. The Giants need offense - at third base, first base, or in the outfield. GM Brian Sabean has been willing to deal his young pitching for a bat, though he's had sticker shock over Cabrera. If pushed, he would deal Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum. Starter/reliever Jonathan Sanchez and Noah Lowry also could be moved. Sabean would love to deal one of his positional veterans to a team needing a piece of the puzzle. Dave Roberts, Randy Winn, and Ray Durham are available. Veteran backstop Bengie Molina might be a little tougher to get.
WASHINGTON. The Nationals could deal righty reliever Jon Rauch, who has made 85 and 88 appearances the last two seasons. GM Jim Bowden would move closer Chad Cordero, though buyer beware, as he's converted only 83.5 percent of his save chances the last two years. Bowden acquired Milledge, 22, a sign of the direction in which the Nats will continue to move.
Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.
