Adam Dunn, OF, Reds
He's not much of an outfielder, and he strikes out at an alarming rate (194 times last year). But Dunn is a surefire 40-homer guy, and he has a .360 OBP this year (and .378 for his career), which means he isn't an automatic rally killer, despite all those Ks. In the right lineup he could be a bigger threat. He's making $10.5 million in '07 with a $13 million club option for '08, which will be voided if he is traded. Even if he isn't traded the Reds are unlikely to want to spend that much for his services next year.
Prediction: HE'LL GO.
Reggie Sanders, OF, Royals
The well-traveled Sanders already has told reporters he'd be willing to go -- specifically, to the Red Sox -- and for the remaining $2 million or so on his contract, lots of teams can afford him. Sanders is 39 years old, though, and he's coming off a hamstring injury.
Prediction: HE'LL GO.
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Rangers
Maybe the most talked-about guy out there, Teixeira is arbitration-eligible after the season (that'll cost) and a free agent after the '08 season (that'll cost more). The Yankees, Orioles and Braves, among others, have been mentioned as possible destinations. But with Scott Boras as his agent, any team that signs him is looking at a short-timer who will hit the market after '08. That'll bring the offers down considerably.
Prediction: HE STAYS.
Jermaine Dye, OF, White Sox
He hasn't had the kind of season he wanted in a contract year, but he can still hit. He had 44 homers last year. He's reportedly grown disenchanted with the Sox and the fact that they didn't extend his contract, which may hasten his departure. But the question is whether GM Kenny Williams can get enough for someone who will cost what's left of a $6 million salary, has had a sore leg this season and who will be a free agent this winter. Probably not.
Prediction: HE STAYS.
Octavio Dotel, RP, Royals
He was throwing in the high 90s in spring training, and after a few bumps earlier this season, he looks back to form. (In his past 16 appearances he has 21 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings.) For teams looking for a closer, or even an effective setup man (he may be better suited to that), Dotel could be a deal. (He has a player option for $5.5 million for next season which he won't exercise if he can get a more lucrative multiyear deal.). The Royals, though, have been playing better of late and seem reluctant to break up the best part of their team, the bullpen.
Prediction: HE STAYS.
Brad Lidge, RP, Astros
The Astros reportedly have told Lidge they won't trade him, barring a bar-the-door offer from some hard-up team. Lidge, not that he has a choice, doesn't want to go. The Astros are more likely to trade relievers Chad Qualls or Dan Wheeler.
Prediction: HE STAYS.
Eric Gagne, RP, Rangers
GM Jon Daniels has made a couple of bad trades, but his free-agent signing of Gagne was a gamble that worked. If Daniels gets some good prospects in a deal -- especially a pitcher -- he'll move Gagne, who is a free agent after this year. Akinori Otsuka is a cheaper option for a possible trade, too. But the pick here is Otsuka stays and Gagne won't.
Prediction: HE'LL GO.
Jose Contreras, SP, White Sox
Other teams would probably rather see Sox GM Kenny Williams make Javier Vazquez available, or Jon Garland. But Contreras (5-11, 5.32 ERA) is No. 1 on the block. He's 35 with some injury problems, and his fastball has to speed up to reach into the low 90s. But he's postseason tested (4-1, 3.77 in 12 games), relatively cheap (what's left of about $6 million) and he has no other strings (a free agent this winter).
Prediction: HE'LL GO.
Dontrelle Willis, SP, Marlins
What's a rumor mill without Florida's lanky lefty? The Marlins are still giving teams the stiff-arm on the likeable Willis, and for his part, Willis has always said he wants to stay with the team that gave him a chance to start in the big leagues at 21. But sooner, rather than later, he's going to cost too much for the Marlins. He's making $6.45 million this year, and that'll go up big-time in arbitration in '08. Willis, still just 25, is attractive to a lot of teams. It all depends on what someone offers. I say not enough.
Prediction: HE STAYS.
