Johnny Damon (Red Sox) - Previous prediction: Red Sox - five years, $47.5 million

Until the postseason, Damon figured to get the biggest contract of any offensive player this winter. Now, it?s almost certain to be Konerko instead, and with the Yankees reportedly only having limited interest, the market for Damon could be quite a bit weaker than expected. The Red Sox would like to have him back, but for three or four years rather than five. Also interested could be the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Nationals, Angels, Dodgers and Orioles. Prediction: Red Sox - four years, $40 million

Hideki Matsui (Yankees) - Previous prediction: Yankees - three years, $27 million

The Yankees have only until Nov. 15 to re-sign Godzilla, and unlike three years ago, Matsui seems interested in getting the best possible deal this time. Still, it?s likely that something will be worked out. If he does leave, the Mariners, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Red Sox and Cardinals could be among the teams that pursue him. Prediction: Yankees - three years, $33 million

Brian Giles (Padres) - Previous prediction: Astros - two years, $18 million

Giles has turned down $21 million for three years from the Padres and appears likely to get at least a three-year, $27 million contract. For 2006 and 2007, he?s about as good of a bet as any other free agent. However, he?ll be 37 by the time 2008 rolls around. The Cardinals, Mariners, Dodgers, Red Sox, Indians, Yankees, Cubs and Astros may be in the hunt. Prediction: Mariners - three years, $27 million

Jacque Jones (Twins) - Previous prediction: Orioles - three years, $15 million

Jones turns 31 in April, but unlike most of the rest of the second-tier outfielders, he?s not viewed as being on the decline. He?ll probably sign a multiyear deal with one of the clubs that miss out on Giles. The Padres, Cardinals, Mariners, Orioles, Cubs, Marlins, Yankees, Royals, Astros, Rangers, Nationals and Dodgers could look at him. Prediction: Padres - three years, $18 million

Juan Encarnacion (Marlins) - Previous prediction: Nationals - two years, $12 million

Like Jones, Encarnacion will be more attractive to some teams because of his relative youth. In fact, he might be celebrating a three-year deal when he turns 30 in March. The same group pursuing Jones should be after him. The Cubs and Nationals could be his strongest suitors. Prediction: Cubs - three years, $16 million

Preston Wilson (Nationals) - Previous prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million

It?s been several years since Wilson was a plus defender in center, but he still is an option there and he hits enough to play regularly in a corner. The Yankees may consider him -- he could be well below average defensively and still be quite an improvement over Bernie Williams -- but he?s more likely to stay in the NL and play left or right for some team. Prediction: Cardinals - two years, $10 million

Reggie Sanders (Cardinals) - Previous prediction: Cardinals - one year, $5.5 million

Even though he?s less than a month away from his 38th birthday, Sanders might receive a couple of multiyear offers. Still, the best bet is that he?ll remain in St. Louis on a one-year pact. Prediction: Cardinals - one year, $6.5 million

Jeromy Burnitz (Cubs) - No prediction

The Cubs declined Burnitz?s $7 million option and are unlikely to re-sign him. Because he?s a fallback option for the teams that miss out on their top choices, he could last a long time in free agency for the third year in a row. Prediction: Astros - one year, $4.5 million

Sammy Sosa (Orioles) - Previous prediction: Marlins - one year, $7 million

Sosa has no interest in leaving for Japan. Some team will take the chance that he has something left in the tank, even though that hardly seemed to be the case during the second half of last year. Prediction: Marlins - one year, $3 million

Richard Hidalgo (Rangers) - Previous prediction: Royals - one year, $4 million

The streaky Hidalgo hit just .221 before missing the final two months of last season with a wrist injury, but because of his power, his above average defense in right field and the likelihood that he?ll only require a one-year contract, he?ll be pursued. Prediction: Twins - one year, $4 million

Matt Lawton (Yankees) - Previous prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million

Lawton was still a member of the Cubs and was hitting .273/.370/.427 when the above prediction was made on Aug. 15. Since he finished the year at .254/.356/.396 and he now has the steroids suspension hanging over his head, there?s not much chance of him getting a multiyear deal. Still, he?ll probably get a chance to play regularly and bat leadoff for some club. Prediction: Royals - one year, $3 million

Other free agents: Rondell White (Tigers), Kenny Lofton (Phillies), Carl Everett (White Sox), Bernie Williams (Yankees), Juan Gonzalez (Indians), Dustan Mohr (Rockies), Terrence Long (Royals), Michael Tucker (Giants), John Mabry (Cardinals), Todd Hollandsworth (Cubs), Ruben Sierra (Yankees), B.J. Surhoff (Orioles), Orlando Palmeiro (Astros), Alex Sanchez (FA), Ben Grieve (Cubs), Brian Jordan (Braves), Eli Marrero (Orioles), Tim Salmon (Angels), Bobby Higginson (Tigers), Jacob Cruz (Reds), Raul Mondesi (FA), Marquis Grissom (FA), Quinton McCracken (Diamondbacks), Roger Cedeno (FA), Ryan Ludwick (Indians), J.J. Davis (Rockies), David Kelton (Cubs), Chris Magruder (Brewers), Gerald Williams (Mets), Larry Walker (Cardinals - Retired)

jacque...

jacque...

Still can't hit lefties. I'm sure the Twinkies will have some young stud to replace him with. They always do.

haha...um no, 'tis doubtful.

replacing pitchers is a different story.

actually theres this guy playing in the AFL (arizona fall league) named Denard Span. Hes doing really good for the Twins, but I dont think he is ready for big leagues next year...

Johnny Damon signs with the Yankees.

Jones signed with cubs for 3 yrs.

Astros signed outfielder Preston Wilson, who had been with the Nationals, to a one-year, $4 million contract with a three-year club option.

Pirates signed outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, who had been with the Cubs, to a one-year, $6.7 million contract.