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Pedro Martinez is the best pitcher eligible for free agency after this season, but there should be a bounty of good hitters available. Here are the top five.

Carlos Beltran, CF, Royals. 26. Entering prime production age, the game's best five-tool player (26 home runs, 41 stolen bases last season) will make $9 million this year and is getting too expensive for Kansas City. Won't lack for suitors, including the Yankees.

Carlos Delgado, 1B, Blue Jays, 31. Plate discipline and power fit Toronto's philosophy, and both sides would like to see him stay put. He will have to take a pay cut from $18.5 million to do so.

Magglio Ordo�ez, RF, White Sox, 30. How they handle Ordo�ez will be an indicator of whether the White Sox are changing their mid-market approach. L.A. is a good fit.

Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals, 28. If Nomar Garciaparra bolts Boston, Renteria would be a logical replacement there.

Jose Vidro, 2B, Expos, 29. The A's, Red Sox, Yanks and White Sox have a need at second, so expect Vidro to be traded by mid-season. His new team may have the edge in re-signing him.