2nd Base

Mark Grudzielanek (Cardinals) - Previous prediction: Cardinals - two years, $5 million

With Craig Biggio signing an extension with the Astros on the final day of the regular season, Grudzielanek is the only free-agent second baseman sure to enter next year as a starter. The Cardinals will attempt to re-sign him and should be successful. Other potential suitors include the Mets, Red Sox, Twins, Royals, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays, Rangers and Rockies. Prediction: Cardinals - two years, $6 million

Other free agents: Tony Graffanino (Red Sox), Mark Bellhorn (Yankees), Bret Boone (FA), D?Angelo Jimenez (Reds), Miguel Cairo (Mets), Deivi Cruz (Giants), Luis Rivas (Twins), Damion Easley (Marlins), Marlon Anderson (Mets), Frank Menechino (Blue Jays), Fernando Vina (Tigers - Retired?), Joe McEwing (Royals), Roberto Alomar (Retired)

Short Stop

Rafael Furcal (Braves) - Previous prediction: Diamondbacks - five years, $40 million

Furcal seems sure to get more than $8 million per year now, and the Diamondbacks probably won?t be involved, as they believe Stephen Drew will be able to avoid a move off shortstop. The Cubs and Mets are likely to be among the strongest bidders. I still don?t see the Braves putting enough money on the table to keep him. Prediction: Cubs - five years, $47.5 million

Nomar Garciaparra (Cubs) - Previous prediction: Cubs - one year, $6 million plus incentives

Garciaparra now seems open to trying positions other than shortstop, but the market for third basemen figures to be pretty weak and left field might not be an option right now. Since it looks like the Cubs want to go in a different direction, most anything could happen here. The Twins, Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Marlins and Brewers may be interested. I wouldn?t be completely shocked to see him join the Orioles as a third baseman, with Melvin Mora moving to the outfield. Prediction: Diamondbacks - one year, $6 million

Alex Gonzalez (Marlins) - Previous prediction: Marlins - three years, $17 million

The elbow injury that cost Gonzalez most of the final month of the season will likely impact his wallet, too. He?s a better bet for the long-term than Cristian Guzman was a year ago, but he might have to take a one-year deal to rebuild his value. That would give the Marlins a better chance of keeping him. The Braves and Twins could be interested. Arizona would also be an option if he?s willing to accept a one-year deal. Prediction: Marlins - two years, $10 million

Other free agents: Neifi Perez (Cubs), Rich Aurilia (Reds), Abraham Nunez (Cardinals), Royce Clayton (Diamondbacks), Alex Gonzalez (Devil Rays), Jose Hernandez (Indians), Pokey Reese (Mariners), Jose Vizcaino (Astros), Desi Relaford (Blue Jays), Ramon Martinez (Phillies), Lou Merloni (Angels), Alfredo Amezaga (Pirates), Rey Sanchez (Yankees), Manny Alexander (Padres), Rey Ordonez (FA)

Nomah and Furcal to Dodgers. 1y 6m, 3y 39m, respectively.

According to WFAN, Bret Boone has signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets.

White Sox agreed to terms with infiedler-outfielder Rob Mackowiak on a two-year, $5.3 million contract with an option for 2008.

Yankees signed second baseman Miguel Cairo, who had been with the Mets, to a one-year, $1 million contract.