Baseball Free-agent Watch

2004 salary: $5 million

Three-year averages: .278, 31 HRs, 92 RBIs

Outlook: With his youth, power and great glove, Beltre easily could get Vladimir Guerrero money (5 years, $70 million). But other than L.A., the only high-payroll teams that might need a third baseman are Anaheim (where Dallas McPherson is Troy Glaus's heir apparent) and Seattle.

4. CARL PAVANO RHP, age 28

2004 salary: $3.8 million

Three-year averages: 186 IP, 121 K's, 3.99 ERA

Outlook: Pavano has battled through injuries to become a reliable innings eater. (His 23 quality starts last season were only three behind major league leader Randy Johnson's.) A control artist, Pavano needs a spacious ballpark and a tight defense behind him, the way he had with Florida last year. Expect the Red Sox and the Yankees to wage a bidding war as the Marlins struggle to keep up.

5. J.D. DREW, OF,age 29

2004 salary: $4.2 million

Three-year averages: .283, 21 HRs, 64 RBIs