Free Agents: Catchers

Ramon Hernandez (Padres) - Previous prediction: Mets - four year, $26 million

Hernandez remains likely to become the highest-paid catcher of the free-agent class, but since indications are that the Mets prefer Bengie Molina, he probably won?t be the first to sign. A return to San Diego isn?t happening, so the Orioles, Astros, Mariners and Diamondbacks could be the top suitors. Because of the prospects they have on the way up, the Dodgers and Angels shouldn?t be willing to commit to a long-term deal with a catcher. Prediction: Orioles - four years, $26 million

Bengie Molina (Angels) - Previous prediction: Angels - three years, $11 million

It?d certainly be a case of overpaying, but Molina might receive as much as $18 million over three years after turning in his best offensive season. With his price set to be quite a bit higher than expected, the Angels are likely to move on. I think he?ll go to the Mets, but the Orioles and Yankees could be in the running. Prediction: Mets - three years, $16.5 million

Mike Piazza (Mets) - Previous prediction: Orioles - one year, $5 million

According to Piazza?s agent, there are teams interested in him as a full-time catcher. It?d still make the most sense for him to be a catcher/designated hitter for an American League team. The Orioles seem more interested in bringing in a long-term catcher, but if they miss out on Hernandez and Molina, having Piazza and Javy Lopez rotate between catcher and DH would make sense. The Angels, A?s, Twins, Mariners, Yankees and Blue Jays could be fits. A return to the Dodgers can?t be completely ruled out. Prediction: Angels - one year, $5 million

Kenji Jojima (Japan) - No prediction

The 29-year-old Jojima would like to be the first catcher to make the jump from Japan to the U.S. That he speaks little English will be a big hurdle because of his need to communicate with pitchers, but Jojima is a very good hitter with an excellent defensive reputation. It?s possible that he?ll be at least as good of a player as Hernandez. The Mariners, Dodgers, Mets and Padres are among the teams that could look to take a chance on him. Prediction: Padres - two years, $12 million

Brad Ausmus (Astros) - No prediction

Ausmus will either stay with the Astros or play near his home in San Diego. His second-half offensive resurgence might result in him getting another two-year deal. Prediction: Astros - two years, $4 million

Other free agents: Todd Pratt (Phillies), Todd Greene (Rockies), John Flaherty (Yankees), Einar Diaz (Cardinals), Paul Bako (Dodgers), Gary Bennett (Nationals), Kelly Stinnett (Diamondbacks), Benito Santiago (FA), Charles Johnson (FA), Sandy Alomar Jr. (Rangers), Wiki Gonzalez (Mariners), Eddie Perez (Braves), Alberto Castillo (Athletics), Greg Myers (FA), San Fasano (Orioles), Mike DiFelice (Mets), Pat Borders (Mariners), Dan Wilson (Mariners - Retired)