Paul Konerko (White Sox) - Previous prediction: White Sox - four years, $40 million

$40 million over four years seemed realistic a couple of months ago. Now it appears likely that Konerko will get at least $60 million for five years. The Angels and Red Sox are supposed to be the top competition for the White Sox, but my guess is that Boston won?t be the strong suitors most expect. The Angels will probably put the best offer on the table, and since Konerko lives in Arizona, a team on the West Coast is appealing to him. Prediction: Angels - five years, $65 million

Frank Thomas (White Sox) - No prediction

The White Sox bought out Thomas? $10 million player option last week, making the 37-year-old a free agent. The team is expected to tender an offer to keep him, but since he?s still recovering the fractured ankle that caused him to miss the second half of the season, the arbitration deadline might come into play here. The Athletics, Mariners, Twins, Yankees, Angels and Orioles could be interested in Thomas as a DH. There?s a better chance of him remaining with the White Sox if Konerko leaves. Prediction: White Sox - one year, $3 million plus incentives

Erubiel Durazo (Athletics) - Previous prediction: Yankees - one year, $2.5 million

Durazo, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, should have the same list of suitors as Thomas. Because it?s so uncertain whether he?ll be ready for the start of the year, he?ll probably be a late signing. I don?t claim to have much of an idea where he?ll go. Prediction: Yankees - one year, $2.5 million

Rafael Palmeiro (Orioles) - Previous prediction: Retirement

Palmeiro has been silent since the season ended, which could be taken as a sign that he will choose retirement. If he chooses to come back, he?d be more of an option for an NL club than either Thomas or Durazo. Still, teams won?t be lining up for him. Prediction: Retirement

Kevin Millar (Red Sox) - Previous prediction: Orioles - one year, $3 million

While the Red Sox shouldn?t have been playing him against right-handers, Millar did hit a respectable .283/.371/.440 in the second half of last season. He still might be just adequate enough to be a starting first baseman for a team. He could be an option in Baltimore, Oakland, Houston or Minnesota. Prediction: Orioles - one year, $2.5 million

Other free agents: Doug Mientkiewicz (Mets), Scott Hatteberg (Athletics), Travis Lee (Devil Rays), Jeff Conine (Marlins), Olmedo Saenz (Dodgers), J.T. Snow (Giants), John Olerud (Red Sox), Matthew LeCroy (Twins), Daryle Ward (Pirates), Eduardo Perez (Devil Rays), Julio Franco (Braves), Mark Sweeney (Padres), Robert Fick (Padres), Calvin Pickering (Royals), Josh Phelps (Devil Rays), Brad Fullmer (FA), Jack Cust (Athletics), Greg Colbrunn (Rangers), Dave Hansen (Mariners), Mike Kinkade (Indians), Scott Spiezio (FA), Jose Offerman (Mets), Carlos Baerga (Nationals), Wil Cordero (Mets), Lenny Harris (Marlins)

Joe Randa (Padres) - Previous prediction: Padres - one-year, $3.5 million

That prediction can be ruled out now that the Padres have acquired Vinny Castilla. The Dodgers, Twins, Devil Rays, Red Sox, Brewers and Pirates are among the teams that might be willing to give Randa a modest raise from the $2.15 million he made last season. Prediction: Dodgers - one year, $3 million

Bill Mueller (Red Sox) - Previous prediction: Twins - two years, $6 million

Since he?s a year younger than Randa, Mueller may be the more likely of the two to get a multiyear deal. The suitors will be the same for both. The Red Sox will consider re-signing Mueller, but they have Kevin Youkilis ready to step in if he leaves. Prediction: Twins - two years, $6 million

Other free agents: Jose Valentin (Dodgers), Wes Helms (Brewers), Geoff Blum (White Sox), Jeff Cirillo (Brewers), Eric Munson (Devil Rays), Denny Hocking (Royals), Trent Durrington (Brewers)

Valentin still might be of use as a starter, but he?ll probably only be offered utility jobs. My guess is that he?ll head to Cleveland.

Trade candidates: Mike Lowell (Marlins), Troy Glaus (Diamondbacks), Edgardo Alfonzo (Giants), Sean Burroughs (Padres), Russell Branyan (Brewers), Michael Cuddyer (Twins), David Bell (Phillies), Mike Lamb (Astros), Bobby Hill (Pirates)

Non-tender candidates: Ty Wigginton (Pirates), Mark DeRosa (Rangers), Jose Macias (Cubs)

Top 2006 free agents: Melvin Mora (Orioles), Chipper Jones (Braves)*, Pedro Feliz (Giants), Edgardo Alfonzo (Giants), Aaron Boone (Indians)*, Russell Branyan (Brewers), David Bell (Phillies), Vinny Castilla (Padres)

Several sources told Daily Southtown that the White Sox submitted a four-year, $52 million contract offer to Paul Konerko on Wednesday.

As far as initial proposals go, that's pretty good. Konerko is going to at least see what the market has to offer before he gives serious thought to re-signing with the White Sox. He will probably ask for an extra year and a no-trade clause.

Konerko signs with White Sox.

3b Tony Batista signs 1y 1.25m with Minnestoa.

3b Bill Mueller signs 2y 9.25m with the Dodgers

The Pirates and Joe Randa have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth about $4 million.

Orioles signed first baseman-outfielder Jeff Conine to a one-year, $1.7 million contract with a vesting option for 2007.