Luis Gonzalez: A report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said the World Series champs are closing in on a one-year contract with the outfielder. That would be somewhat of a surprise as Gonzalez has been saying he would prefer signing with an NL West team so he could stay close to his Arizona-based family, which includes triplets.

J.D. Drew: The veteran outfielder (or his agent) is rolling the dice, banking on another MLB organization ponying up more than the $33 million (guaranteed) Drew left on the table by opting out of his contract with the Dodgers. The Red Sox, Cubs and Padres have been mentioned as potential suitors.

Gary Matthews Jr.: The 32-year-old late bloomer has drawn considerable interest from teams in both leagues. The Rangers want him back, but the Angels and White Sox have him targeted for their outfield, as do the Giants, Dodgers, Cubs and Astros. Matthews Jr. picked a fine time to have a career year -- .313 batting average, 19 home runs and 79 RBIs -- and his first All-Star Game invitation.

Nomar Garciaparra: The Dodgers still appear to have the edge on re-signing the veteran, but the great Northwest could become a factor. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported on Monday that Garciaparra might be open to becoming the Mariners' full-time designated hitter, citing the fact his younger brother, Michael, plays in the Seattle farm system.

Trot Nixon: With Drew on the market and the Red Sox reportedly among the teams interested in pursuing the former Dodgers outfielder, Nixon's future in Red Sox Nation could be in even more jeopardy. Injuries limited him to 114 games last season, and if he returned in '07, it would be as a reserve and for less than the $7.5 million he made in '06.

Juan Pierre: As much as the Cubs would like to bring the leadoff batter back to the Windy City, the Brewers are being mentioned as a potential future home for the speedster who would rather reach on a hit than a walk and who posesses a noodle of a throwing arm.

Julio Lugo: The Blue Jays have been doing less shopping than a year ago, but a report in the Toronto Globe and Mail said GM J.P. Ricciardi has some interest in signing Lugo and giving him a shot to play shortstop on a regular basis.

Carlos Lee: After less than half-a-season in the AL with the Rangers, it could be back to the Senior Circuit for the outfielder, who played for the Brewers in 2005 and half of the '06 season. The Astros and Cubs seem to be the most interested, hoping to make room for a player that has averaged 31 home runs and 104 RBIs the past five seasons.

Dave Roberts: At last count, at least 12 organizations have contacted the leadoff hitter's agent. A multi-year contract is definitely in Roberts' future.

Akinori Iwamura: Best known best as a slick fielder, the five-time Gold Glove winner from Japan reportedly has drawn interest from the Padres, Devil Rays, Red Sox and Phillies. The Yakult Swallows have until Thursday to accept or reject the highest bid submitted by MLB organizations. Iwamura, 27, batted .311 with 32 home runs and 77 RBIs this past season.