Next Season

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD width=65> </TD><TD class=sport>ESPN.com: Insider</TD><TD align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=575 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=575><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=575 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2 height=15><SPACER height="15" width="1" type="block"></SPACER></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom width="10%" rowSpan=2> </TD><TD class=note vAlign=bottom width="90%">Monday, October 25 Updated 5:54 PM EST</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=12 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=headlineone>Cubs want more speed in the outfield


<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Moises Alou
Cubs
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 25 - Moises Alou may have played his last game as a Cub. According to the Chicago Tribune, the team will decline the $11 million option on the left fielder, making Alou a free agent after three seasons with the club. There's an outside chance he could return at a much smaller price tag. Alou, 38, hit a career-high 39 home runs and had a team-leading 106 RBI in 2004, but his eight errors tied for second among NL left fielders. The Cubs want some more speed in the outfield, and if Alou and right fielder Sammy Sosa leave, they will get that opportunity.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Reds</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 25 - According to the Dayton Daily News, Pokey Reese is on the Reds' wish list. The free-agent-to-be was their No. 1 draft pick in 1991 as a shortstop and made it to the majors in 1997 as a second baseman. "I'd love to return home, that's still my team," Reese told the newspaper. "… Barry Larkin is gone and I'd love to play shortstop … or anywhere they might want me." Reese endeared himself to Red Sox Nation this season, filling in at shortstop for Nomar Garciaparra to open the 2004 campaign. When Garciaparra returned, Reese switched to second base but was hampered by injuries (thumb, rib) and lost his job to Mark Bellhorn.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 25 - Left-handed reliever Steve Kline was exasperated -- to put it mildly -- over the Cardinals' decision to leave him off the World Series roster. He found out about it while watching television before the team bus left for Game 1 at Fenway. Kline, who figured he'd be on the roster and put off surgery to repair a torn tendon in the index finger of his pitching hand, thinks maybe the move was a sign the team doesn't want him back. He can be a free agent after the season. "I'm guessing," he said. "But that's the way it looks. It's ignorant."




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>White Sox

Yankees
</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - Starting pitching is the No. 1 priority of the White Sox this offseason. GM Ken Williams wants to add a solid front-line starter to the rotation and has targeted ace lefty Randy Johnson, the Daily Southtown reported. Once the Hot Stove season begins, Williams will talk to Arizona about acquiring the Big Unit. Johnson has one more year left on his contract ($16.5 million in 2005) and the right to veto a trade. If he opts to stay put in Arizona or go somewhere other than the South Side, Williams will turn his attention toward free agency. Russ Ortiz and Eric Milton are two possibilities.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Brad Radke
Twins
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Indians</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - The Indians have gained a reputation for being thrifty in the Larry Dolan era, but according to the Akron Beacon Journal, GM Mark Shapiro might be willing to spend as much as $9 million on one pitcher's salary this winter. Before the playoffs began, Brad Radke was at the top of Shapiro's most-wanted list. An inning-eater, Radke was 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA for the Twins last season and made $10 million. His recently expired contract paid him $33 million for four years, but the veteran right-hander expects to pull down less cash this time around. If the Tribe are unable to get him, Shapiro might set his sights on the Braves' Jaret Wright or Cubs' Matt Clement.




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Kevin Brown
Yankees
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - According to the New York Daily News, Kevin Brown would love to finish out his career back home in Georgia, and it could be a good fit since Braves' GM John Schuerholz potentially might have to replace three free-agent starters: Russ Ortiz, Jaret Wright and Paul Byrd. Brown would have to be traded on the cheap, but for a serviceable reliever, the Yankees would gladly absorb most of Brown's $15 million next year just to get rid of him.


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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Shawn Chacon
Rockies
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd has sent out preliminary feelers about Shawn Chacon, and there is considerable interest in the 26-year-old right-hander, the Denver Post reported. Trade talks are expected to get serious during the general manager meetings Nov. 9-12 in Miami. Converted to a closer last season, Chacon drew a $1.85 million salary and could command up to $3 million through salary arbitration. "Certainly we knew this was a possibility, because Shawn is entering his second year of arbitration and … has value both as a starter and closer," Dan Horwits, Chacon's agent, told the newspaper.




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Nomar Garciaparra
Cubs
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - Though he has not ruled out returning to the Cubs, Nomar Garciaparra intends to explore his options in free agency, the Chicago Tribune reported. A big multiyear offer is unlikely -- because of his health problems in 2004 -- but Garciaparra has said he would be willing to take a one-year deal for 2005 with an option for 2006 to prove to teams he can play an entire season. If that happens, the North Siders' chances of re-signing the shortstop will improve significantly.


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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Enrique Wilson
Yankees
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 24 - Free-agent-to-be Enrique Wilson likely has played his last game in pinstripes, the New York Daily News reported. He was supplanted at second base by Miguel Cairo during the summer and saw no postseason action. "Yeah, I'd like to come back," Wilson told the newspaper. "But if someone gave me the opportunity (to play more) somewhere else, I would go. When I was sitting on the bench, it was hard."


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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Carlos Beltran
Astros
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Yankees

Cubs
Dodgers
</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 22 - Carlos Beltran will be the most coveted free agent this winter -- and won't come cheap. According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, Beltran drove up his value by about $15-20 million after a monster October. In 12 playoff games, the center fielder hit .435, broke a single postseason record with 21 runs scored, and tied a single postseason record with eight home runs. Beltran already was one of baseball's premier five-tool players, and now that he's proven he can produce in the clutch, most baseball people think his agent (Scott Boras) could push the bidding as high as $90 million for six years. Beltran, 27, is keeping his options open. "It will be the best decision of my life," said the budding superstar. "… I've just got to look for my happiness."




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Sammy Sosa
Cubs
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 22 - Sammy Sosa's grievance over the Cubs' $87,400 fine for leaving during the regular-season finale (filed by the MLB Players Association on Sosa's behalf) might be tabled until next season, the Chicago Tribune reported. "They fined him for missing the last game, and he filed a grievance, so it really is a matter of money," Bob DuPuy, president and chief executive officer of MLB, told the newspaper. It will be scheduled when it meets everybody's convenience." The significance? If the Cubs are unable to trade Sosa this offseason -- it won't be easy since his contract includes a guaranteed $18 million in 2006 if he's dealt -- they could begin spring training with the biggest fine in team history hovering over the disgruntled right fielder, making for a potentially contentious distraction to start the 2005 season.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Ryan Madson
Phillies
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 21 - In a perfect world, the Phillies would love to keep Ryan Madson in the bullpen, but since he has three big-league pitches and started throughout the minor leagues, the right-hander could find himself competing for a starting spot in the rotation, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. If Madson returns to the bullpen, he will join Billy Wagner, Tim Worrell and Felix Rodriguez. The Phillies also have interest in re-signing left-hander Rheal Cormier, a free agent who spoke about retirement before the end of the season. "I like where we are in the bullpen," GM Ed Wade told the newspaper.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Eric Karros

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 21 - According to the Orange County Register, Eric Karros isn't sure whether he wants to continue playing baseball or pursue a career in broadcasting. The first baseman, who turns 37 on Nov. 4, got on the mic -- filling in as a game and studio analyst for Fox during the playoffs and, before that, appearing on the Dodgers' radio network -- after asking for and receiving his release from the A's in late July. His first choice is to extend his playing days. "I have not retired," Karros told the newspaper. "I don't know if I'm going to still play or, if other opportunities present themselves, if I would pursue those opportunities. About the only thing I would not entertain at this time would be to be a beat writer."




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Carl Pavano
Marlins
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Red Sox

Yankees
Mets
White Sox
</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 20 - According to the Boston Herald, free-agent-to-be Carl Pavano is interested in signing with the Red Sox. "They are one of the teams I believe would be a good fit for Carl," Pavano's agent, Scott Shapiro, told the newspaper. "… Carl grew up in Connecticut and his family is right there. … He would be coming home to some extent.'' Pavano went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA in 2004, pitching 222 1/3 innings. He will turn 29 next year and is in line for a hefty pay raise from his $3.8 million base salary this season.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Jose Mesa
Pirates
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 20 - As long as the price is right, Jose Mesa will return for a second season in Pittsburgh. Mesa, a potential free agent after the World Series, cost the Pirates $1.265 million in 2004 (counting incentives), and they aren't likely to go higher than that with him for next season, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Mesa converted 43 of 48 save opportunities last season, including his final 10. If the Pirates and Mesa don't reach agreement on a 2005 contract, Salomon Torres is likely to inherit the closer position, with the Bucs gradually working Mike Gonzalez into that role.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Steve Reed
Rockies
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Cardinals

Dodgers
</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 19 - The Rockies declined their option on Steve Reed's contract for 2005, but according to the Rocky Mountain News, he still might return to Colorado. The 39-year-old right-hander makes his year-round residence in the Golden area and would like to continue to play at home. For now, he will check out the market and look for an opportunity with a team he believes will be a legitimate World Series candidate next season. Reed figures to be a Type A or B free agent, meaning if a team were to sign him, the Rockies would receive a draft choice, although the compensation is eliminated if the Rockies don't offer arbitration by Dec. 7.




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Mike Lowell
Marlins
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Yankees

Red Sox
Mariners
Padres
Tigers
Dodgers

</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 16 - Reports out of Florida indicate the Marlins – feeling they might not have financing for a new stadium in place within the next two weeks – are ready to trade third baseman Mike Lowell.


The Oct. 15 Palm Beach Post reported the Marlins want to move Lowell before Nov. 1, when he can become a free agent if there's no secured deal to build a new stadium for the team. If by some miracle the Marlins get the $30 million needed for a new home, Lowell is locked into the final three years on a $34 million deal he signed last December.

But if there is no new ballpark deal by Nov. 1, the Marlins risk losing Lowell and getting nothing but draft picks in return (though he does own an option to return for next season at $7.5 million). Lowell told the Oct. 16 South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he expects to meet with the Marlins to talk about his status, but he had not heard from team officials about what they planned to do with him. The Sun-Sentinel reports the Marlins could have several teams willing to make a deal, but two of the primary ones – the Yankees and Red Sox – might not want to talk deal after the World Series.



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Omar Vizquel
Indians
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>White Sox</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 13 - Even though the Indians did not pick up Omar Vizquel's $5 million option for the 2005 season, there is a chance the veteran shortstop will return to Cleveland. "Our desire is to still try and re-sign Omar if we can," GM Mark Shapiro told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The next step for Vizquel is free agency. "Nothing is going to get done until after the World Series," Shapiro said. "Omar has to see what his market value is, and we have to evaluate the pitching market." The Tribe's primary needs are a starting pitcher and closer.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Barry Larkin
Reds
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 13 - Barry Larkin's 19-year career with the Reds is over -- the club won't be offering him another contract -- but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of his playing days. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Larkin, 40, plans to pursue free agency, although there is no guarantee the veteran shortstop will play in 2005. "I don't know what will happen," he told the newspaper. "If there are opportunities out there for me, I'll look at them. I've never been down this road before."


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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Steve Finley
Dodgers
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>Diamondbacks

Dodgers
Padres
</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 11 - According to the East Valley Tribune, Steve Finley might get a second tour of duty with the Diamondbacks. Finley has left open the option of playing for Arizona in 2005, but the D-Backs must convince him they will be a postseason threat after a 111-loss campaign. "I'm not going to waste any years rebuilding right now," said Finley, who wants to stay on or near the West Coast. "I want to be with a team I feel has a chance to win it all." The bidding likely will come down to the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks.




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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Austin Kearns
Reds
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 11 - The Reds want Austin Kearns to go the Florida Instructional League and learn how to play third base, the Dayton Daily News reported. He will leave for Sarasota on Oct. 12 for a 10-day crash course from roving instructor Freddie Benavides and Reds infield coach Randy Whisler. If Kearns can handle the position, it makes room in right field for Wily Mo Pena, with Adam Dunn handling left field and Kent Griffey Jr. center field in 2005.


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<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]WHO[/size]</TD><TD width=86 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]INTERESTED[/size]</TD><TD width=339 bgColor=#205165>[size=-2]THE SKINNY[/size]</TD></TR><!--player--><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=86 bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bodyCopy width=65>

Denny Neagle
Rockies
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86></TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 11 - According to the Rocky Mountain News, Denny Neagle is expected to be healthy and ready for spring training. The Rockies have a considerable investment in the left-hander -- especially since their chances of collecting insurance payments if he is on the DL are minimal. Last year, the Rockies received half of Neagle's $9 million salary from insurance because he was recovering from late July 2003 reconstructive left elbow surgery. During his comeback, Neagle developed shoulder soreness and underwent surgery July 2 to repair a tear in his left labrum and also clean up the rotator cuff. If Neagle isn't on the active roster to open next season, the Rockies likely would be obligated for $7.5 million of his $10 million salary.




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Jacque Jones
Twins
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--interested teams--><TD class=bodyCopy width=86>???</TD><!--the skinny--><TD class=bodyCopy width=339>Oct. 11 - Jacque Jones is on the trading block for the second consecutive offseason, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. If the Twins can't pull off a deal, they likely will release the 29-year-old right fielder, who is eligible for arbitration after making $4.35 million in the last season of a two-year deal. Jones would make about $6 million if he remained in Minnesota, but he is expendable with the emergence of Lew Ford and rookie Jason Kubel. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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the cubs did the right thing in dumping alou. if they can get rid of sosa and somehow sign beltran...they will be the team to beat next year for sure.

oh, i guess a closer would help too.