Around The Majors With The MLB Community Leaders

In the National League...

We kick off the National League look around in the Central and as always, the eyes seem to be all on the Chicago Cubs. The news out of Chicago is all about Kerry Wood's impending departure. Bob Warja says goodbye.

"Somehow, you can't help but feel that Woody kind of owes the Cubs and Hendry for their faith in him. And for paying him huge dollars even when he couldn't pitch. Ah, but there's no loyalty in the game anymore."

Could the Reds be looking to make additions? They missed out on Coco Crisp, but Michael Hinchcliffe explores the possibilities of a deal with Colorado.

"The Denver Post's initial report came as no surprise to Reds fans. The Reds have been open about their desire to land a right-handed, power-hitting outfielder and add an experienced catcher to the roster. Fans were also likely relieved to hear this morning's clarifying report that the Reds would not be trading for all three players, a deal which would likely cost a fair amount of young pitching."

Meanwhile down in Texas, Jason Cardwell is keeping up with the latest rumors surrounding the Houston Astros.

"Another spot the Astros are weak in is catcher. Humbert Quintero is currently pegged as the Astros' starting catcher. Ed Wade has said he would like to find someone who can at least tandem with Q."

If Salomon Torres was pegged as the closer in Milwaukee for 2009, they are going to have to find a new closer. Adam Lindemer looks back on the very lengthy career of Torres and where Milwaukee goes from here.

"Torres may not have been the best closer in the league, but he was definitely dependable with his rubber arm. When everybody else needed that day's rest, Torres was always ready to go."

Hey so, where's Manny Ramirez headed to this offsesaon? Los Angeles, New York, the other Los Angeles, the other New York? Nah, how about Pittsburgh? Peter Tumbas wonders what if.

"So why not add another blunder of all blunders to the list of Pirates blunders and sign Ramirez for $100 million for four blunderful years? Just an FYI, that contract would be worth more than 10 times the amount of the total salary of the 1997 team, which nearly won the Central with a losing record."

Wrapping up the Central we have the St. Louis Cardinals. Peter Fleischer looks at five possible signings for them this offseason.

"The Cardinals need a stud in the middle infield. The other one doesn't have to be above average. [Felipe] Lopez can play both middle infield spots, third base, and even dabbled in the outfield last season. He's got the versatility and contact bat to be a good fit with Tony La Russa and the Cards."

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