Losers

Miguel Tejada's value has dropped as the Orioles continue to try to move the star shortstop. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

MAILBAG Got a question or comment for Jon? Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

1. White Sox. Two years removed from a world championship, they might be on the brink of being buried in the AL Central by Detroit.

Beyond that, they lost out on their two biggest targets, Cabrera and Hunter, and are still holding two third basemen (Josh Fields and Joe Crede), two shortstops (Orlando Cabrera and Juan Uribe) and no center fielder.

They could try to bring back Aaron Rowand, but they correctly never saw him as being in the class of Hunter.

2. Marlins fans. If there are any left, they were weeping this week when at least a third bona fide fire sale in 10 years commenced with a double hit. GM Larry Beinfest suggested they'd still compete, ignoring the fact that they have a roster without any experience or nearly enough talent. On the bright side, they may have knocked the payroll below $20 million, meaning owner Jeffrey Loria will get to continue to line his pockets.

3. Most agents. Many of them did little more than stand around the flora and fauna and country music fans of the expansive Opryland, waiting for deals that never came. Teams are waiting to see what happens with the big three pitchers before diving in. So most of the agents spent the week schmoozing but not dealing.

4. Miguel Tejada. A year and a half ago, the Orioles had a deal in place to trade him to Houston for Roy Oswalt, Adam Everett and Morgan Ensberg (before Ensberg lost it). But this week they discussed a deal with Houston that would have netted them Everett, Chris Burke and a pitching prospect. Eventually, the Orioles did what they usually do, which is to decline the offer. But they will continue to shop Tejada, catcher Ramon Hernandez and declining third baseman Melvin Mora (if anyone will take him) before figuring out what to do about star pitcher Bedard, who didn't want to sign their three-year extension (who can blame him?).

5. Jay Gibbons. After being an outspoken critic of steroids, Gibbons got busted. Finally, there was evidence beyond the physique for Mr. Big Arms.

6. Hank Steinbrenner. After getting away with going back on his word to not get back into the A-Rod negotiations (everyone in New York was so giddy to have Rodriguez back, they barely noticed), he issued a deadline regarding Santana negotiations that meant nothing to the Twins. Minnesota, after all, is holding the most valuable commodity in sports, a slam-dunk ace pitcher in Santana. Steinbrenner Jr. should be desperate to keep him away from Boston.

7. Scott Rolen. He's gotten a free pass for years for not getting along with his bosses, and legendary Cardinals manager Tony La Russa finally called him out, saying he was giving up trying to accommodate Rolen. Let's not forget La Russa isn't the first skipper Rolen's had trouble with; he also didn't like Larry Bowa and the Phillies when he left there. On a positive note, Rolen's no-trade clause should give him a choice at three decent alternatives -- the Dodgers, Angels and Brewers.

On a side note, it also wasn't a great time for La Russa, who had to be embarrassed by the release of his drunk-driving tape after his guilty plea. It showed the brilliant lawyer struggling to complete the alphabet (he put a "2'' in there -- he always was a numbers guy).

8. Coco Crisp. The Twins showed interest in him in an earlier side deal. But he appears to be the weak link in the Red Sox's proposed package for Santana, as Minnesota seems less than thrilled by him or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera as possible replacements for the beloved Hunter.

9. Hideki Matsui. He went from international sensation to a player the Yankees wouldn't mind moving. His defense has deteriorated, and it appears the Yankees would prefer to employ Johnny Damon in left field. So when the Giants called with interest, the Yankees' ears perked up. At this point, it shouldn't take a young pitching star such as Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain to get Matsui, but someone more along the lines of a Noah Lowry or Jonathan Sanchez.

In the middle

1. Santana. He remains in Minnesota, for now. While he isn't saying, word is he'd prefer to go to the East. Specifically, you'd have to think he'd most like the Yankees to get back into the game and win it since they have the most money. Eventually, the Yankees may come to their senses. The Red Sox are still in it as well. But as things stand now, the race appears wide open.

2. Twins. They haven't gotten what they wanted yet for Santana, so it makes sense they're still holding him. But something tells me they will eventually. The Mets are throwing in anything but the kitchen sink, the Yankees have been known to change their minds before, and the Dodgers, who haven't really been heard from yet, could ultimately answer Minnesota's prayers if L.A. decides it can play in Santana's salary stratosphere (probably close to $25 million a year).

3. Guillen. The $36 million contract is great, the 15-game suspension not so great. On balance, I'd say he'll take it.

4. Barry Bonds. He has a new lawyer but not a new job. He had a 1.000-plus OPS and should be considered innocent until proven guilty. But if Rangers owner Tom Hicks is shying away, it may be hard to find a new employer for baseball's greatest player since the Hank Aaron-Willie Mays era.

5. Rowand. He's behind the two center fielders who hit $18 million jackpots (actually $18.1 million in Jones' case) but ahead of Mike Cameron, who's gotten almost no buzz after getting buzzed 25 games for greenies. Rowand isn't the type of talent to receive the five-year deal he seeks, but the Rangers, Royals and his two former teams, the White Sox and Phillies, still remain in the running.