The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly the close to signing free agent pitcher Randy Wolf.

The longtime Phillie spent the 2007 season with the Dodgers winning 9 games with a 4.73 ERA, making just 18 starts due to injury. Last year the lefty split time between the Padres and the Houston Astros and putting up a 3.57 ERA with the 'Stros.

Wolf has also been linked to the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Houston Astros over the course of the offseason but is apparently leaning towards a one or two year deal with the Dodgers who are looking to replace both Brad Penny and Derek Lowe. The deal is rumored to be for significantly less than the three year, $28.5 million deal the Astros offered earlier this winter.

If Wolf does indeed sign with LA, the deal could pressure the Mets to intensify their persuit of free agent Oliver Perez.

The Free Agent pool of players got a bit bigger at midnight on Friday when players who were not tendered contract offers from their teams became free agents. I've broken the list down by position and as you can see, there are a few surprises here including former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito (2.49 ERA and 18 saves) and Nationals starter Tim Redding (10 wins).

Pitchers

Starters:

• Wil Ledezma - LHP - Arizona Diamondbacks
• Chuck James - LHP - Atlanta Braves
• Daniel Cabrera - RHP - Baltimore Orioles
• John Bale - LHP - Kansas City Royals
• Chris Capuano - LHP - Milwaukee Brewers
• Scott Mathieson - RHP - Philadelphia Phillies
• Doug Mathis - RHP - Texas Rangers
• Tim Redding - RHP - Washington Nationals

Relievers:

• Lance Cormier - RHP - Baltimore Orioles
• Joe Nelson - RHP - Florida Marlins
• Jairo Cuevas - RHP- Kansas City Royals
• Mario Alvarez - RHP - Los Angeles Dodgers
• Yhency Brazoban - RHP - Los Angeles Dodgers
• Scott Proctor - RHP - Los Angeles Dodgers
• Takashi Saito - RHP - Los Angeles Dodgers
• Chris Britton - RHP - New York Yankees
• Denny Bautista - RHP - Pitsburgh Pirates
• Clay Hensley - RHP - San Diego Padres
• Charlie Haeger - RHP - San Diego Padres
• Randy Flores - LHP - St. Louis Cardinals
• Tyler Johnson - LHP -  St. Louis Cardinals

Catchers

• Robby Hammock - Arizona Diamondbacks
• Kevin Cash - Boston Red Sox
• Jamie Burke - Seattle Mariners

First basemen

• None - kind of odd but hey, it's the truth.

Second basemen

• Chris Burke - Arizona Diamondbacks
• Jonathan Herrera - Colorado Rockies
• Aaron Miles - St. Louis Cardinals

Shortstops

• Angel Berroa - Los Angeles Dodgers

Third basemen

• Ty Wigginton - Houston Astros
• Jason Smith - Kansas City Royals

Outfielders

• Jeff Salazar - Arizona Diamondbacks
• Willy Taveras - Colorado Rockies
• Reggie Abercrombie - Houston Astros
• Joey Gathright - Kansas City Royals
• Justin Christian - New York Yankees
• Jonny Gomes - Tampa Bay Rays

The Houston Astros decision whether or not to offer 41 year old reliever Doug Brocail was apparently an easy one. As it turns out, the team had a deal in place to bring the veteran back. The Astros made the deal official today, announcing that they've signed Brocail to a contract worth $2.5 million that includes performance insentives as well as a team option for a second year at $2.85 million.

Houston has been keeping a sharp eye on their bottom line this post season, breaking off negotiations with pitcher Randy Wolf opting to sign injury plagued Mike Hampton to an incentive ladden deal as well as declining Brocail's option that would have guaranteed him $3.25 million in favor of the $2.5 million deal announced today. While I can understand the value of being frugal in the midst of a recession and uncertain earnings, this seems like an aweful long way the team to go for at most, 3/4's of a million bucks (depending on which incentives Brocail hits this year).

Teams have until midnight eastern time tonight to extend offers of arbitration to their free agents and I'll be updating this page as often as news becomes available about teams' arbitration actions.

Update

The offers are all in, and according to the AP only 24 players were offered arbitration. The list is as follows:

American League

• Boston Red Sox - Paul Byrd, rhp; Jason Varitek, c.
• Chicago White Sox - Orlando Cabrera, ss.
• Kansas City Royals - Mark Grudzielanek, 2b.
• Los Angels Angels - Jon Garland, rhp; Darren Oliver, lhp; Francisco Rodriguez, rhp; Mark Teixeira, 1b.
• Minnesota Twins - Dennys Reyes, lhp.
• Seattle Mariners - Raul Ibanez, of.
• Texas Rangers - Milton Bradley, dh.
• Toronto Blue Jays - A.J. Burnett, rhp.

National League

• Arizona Diamondbacks - Juan Cruz, rhp; Orlando Hudson, 2b; Brandon Lyon, rhp.
• Cincinnati Reds - David Weathers, rhp.
• Colorado Rockies - Brian Fuentes, lhp.
• Los Angeles Dodgers - Casey Blake, 3b; Derek Lowe, rhp; Manny Ramirez, of.
• Milwaukee Brewers - CC Sabathia, lhp; Ben Sheets, rhp; Brian Shouse, lhp.
• New York Mets - Oliver Perez, lhp.

Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly offered arbitration to reliever David Weathers (type B) who pitched in 72 games wracking up an ERA of 3.25 with 19 holds.

White Sox

The White Sox have not offered arbitration to free agents Juan Uribe or Ken Griffey Jr (type B) but have made an offer to Orlando Cabrera (type A).

Astros

The Astros did not extend offers to Doug Brocail (type A) or Randy Wolf and Mark Loretta (type B). The 'Stros had been in negotiations to resign Wolf although negotiations have stalled in recent days.

Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have passed on arbitration for Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer (type A) as well as Rudy Seanez (type B) and Tom Gordon (unranked). Burrell hit 33 homeruns with 86 RBI and a batting average of .250 and would have likely been awarded a raise on the $13.25 million salary he earned last year. One has to wonder if the D'backs lack of an offer to Adam Dunn influenced the Phillies descision as the two players have similar stats at the plate and limitations in the field.

Moyer appears likely to return to the Phils but again, the team opted not to risk having his price set by a 3rd party arbiter.

Marlins

The Florida Marlins have apparently declined to offer arbitration to Arthur Rhodes, Paul Lo Duca, and Luis Gonzalez (all type B free agents). There seems to be a trend emerging of teams being fairly careful with their arbitration offers this year as Rhodes has had more several teams express interest and, in my opinion would have been worth extending an offer to.

I've got to wonder if this is a product of the economy and perhaps an indication that free agent spending will be down this year as well. Obviously the top tier players such as Sabathia, Teixeira, and Manny Ramirez will be offered huge deals (or in Sabathia and Ramirez's case, already have been) however, it looks like the rest of the free agents might encounter a few more money conscious teams this off-season.

(via MLBTradeRumors.com)

Rangers

The Texas Rangers offered arbitration to type B free agent Milton Bradley, but not unranked free agents Jamey Wright, Ramon Vazquez or Jason Jennings. Bradley made the All-Star team and batted .321 with 22 HR and 77 RBI in 126 games. I would be surprised if he didn't receive a 3 year offer after his performance last year, with teams like the Mets, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Cardinals possibly in the mix.

Cubs

The Chicago Cubs did not offer arbitration to free agent relievers Bob Howry or Kerry Wood, both type A free agents. The club had been expected to offer Wood arbitration but apparently did not want to risk the closer accepting the offer. Wood saved 34 games last year with a 3.26 ERA and would likely have been awarded a raise on his $4.2 million salary. Howry had a much less successful year, putting up a 5.35 ERA over 72 appearances and also might have accepted arbitration, possibly resulting in the Cubs paying him $4.5 million for another year.

The lack of offer to Wood makes him even more attractive to teams seeking an elite closer, especially considering that both Fuentes and Francisco Rodriguez were offered arbitration.

Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks have reportedly offered arbitration to free agent Orlando Hudson, Juan Cruz (type A), and Brandon Lyon but surprisingly not Adam Dunn. The team also did not offer veteran pitcher Randy Johnson (type B), or David Eckstein and Tony Clark (did not qualify) arbitration although none of those moves came as a surprise. The decision on Dunn again, makes absolutely NO sense to me. While he was likely to get a raise from the $13 million he made last year, Dunn smacked 40 long balls last year while driving in 100 runs last season. Even with the D'backs trying to keep costs low, they could turn around and trade the power hitter if he accepted arbitration. If he declined and signed elsewhere, they'd be rewarded with two extra picks. Where's the downside?

As if that weren't enough, they did extend offers to both relievers, Cruz and Lyon. If both players happened to accept the offer, the Dbacks would be stuck with two expensive relievers. As evidenced by the Dunn decision, the Dbacks are quite concerned with their payroll so the team must be fairly confident that the pitchers will decline their offer. We'll find out whether the Dbacks guessed right by Dec. 7th, the deadline for the players to accept or reject their arbitration offers.

A's

The Oakland A's did not offer arbitration to Emil Brown or Frank Thomas (both type B free agents) or to Alan Embree or Keith Foulke who did not qualify. Thomas has expressed interest in returning to the A's, but Oakland would need to drastically reduce his salary ($12.5 million last year) to make that happen after Thomas batted just .240 with only 8 homeruns.

Rays

The Rays did not offer arbitration to free agents Eric Hinske, Rocco Baldelli, Cliff Floyd, and Trever Miller (who still has not signed with the Cardinals despite previous reports). Since none of the players qualified as type A or B, the team would have nothing to gain by extending offers.

Nationals

The Washington Nationals, like the Rays, did not have any type A or B free agents and did not offer arbitration to Aaron Boone or Odalis Perez. The club has expressed interest in bringing both players back, according to MLB.com, but are waiting to see how the market develops before making offers.

Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles declined to offer arbitration to all of their free agents, Kevin Millar, Jay Payton, Juan Castro and Alex Cintron, none of whom qaulified as type A or B players.

Padres

The San Diego Padres have declined to offer arbitration to future Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, a type A free agent. The move has long been predicted but, I can't figure out why the Padres wouldn't make the offer. Hoffman has said the odds of him returning to the Padres are a longshot at 99-1 after the way the team has treated him. The Padres made Hoffman an offer to return, but later pulled the offer in an effort to cut costs. Even still, with Hoffman unlikely to return, it would make sense for the team to offer the closer arbitration and collect the draft picks when he signs else where.

Royals

The Kansas City Royals have offered arbitration to second basemen Mark Grudzielanek. While the move came as a surprise to most, Grudz will reportedly turn down the Royals' offer in hopes of playing for a contender. While the Royals offer may represent the highest salary Grudzielanek will be offered, Kansas City certainly is not a contender and several more competitive teams including Grudzielanek's former club the St. Louis Cardinals are in need of middle infielders.

Mets

The New York Mets have reportedly passed on offering Moises Alou and Louis Ayala arbitration but did extend an offer to free agent pitcher Oliver Perez. Perez is a type A free agent after going 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA. The 27 year old southpaw is widely expected to decline the offer and sign a multi-year deal with the Washington Nationals reportedly leading the way to land the free agent pitcher.

Braves

The Atlanta Braves did not offer arbitration to veteran pitcher John Smoltz, however the team still expects to resign the long time Brave should he decide not to retire.

Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have offered arbitration to Jason Varitek (type A) and Paul Byrd (type B). Arbitration was not offered to the Sox other free agents, Curt Schilling, Mike Timlin, Bartolo Colon, Alex Cora, Sean Casey, David Ross and Mark Kotsay.

Predictions about whether the Red Sox would offer their free agent catcher had been mixed, and there are just as many differeing opinions about whether the Red Sox captain will accept the offer. According to Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, the veteran wants to play full time, however former teammate Curt Shilling has said that Veritek wouldn't mind a reduced roll. Players have until Dec. 7th to accept the arbitration offers and it wil be interesting to see what the three-time All-Star decides.

Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly offered arbitration to Mark Teixeira, Darren Oliver, Francisco Rodriguez (all type A) and Jon Garland (type B). By offering Teixeira arbitration, the Angels make the price of signing him slightly higher for other interested teams, although I still expect the first basement to resign with LA.

The Angels also declined to offer Garrett Anderson arbitration, likely ending his 12 year tenure with LA.

Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have offered arbitration to Manny Ramirez and Derek Lowe (both type A), as well as Casey Blake (type B) while declining to offer it to type B free agents Greg Maddux, Jeff Kent, Joe Beimel and Brad Penny.

The lack of an offer to Beimel was expected but I still don't agree with the Dodgers' decision. Beimel has reportedly drawn interest from the Mets, Cardinals, Rockies, Reds and Tigers and is seeking a 3 year deal which makes him an unlikely candidate to accept the Dodgers' offer.

Rockies

The Colorado Rockies have offered arbitration to closer Brian Fuentes, their only type A free agent. Fuentes has drawn interest from several teams as the best closer on the market other than Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets, Cardinals, and Indians have all expressed interest in Fuentes who had 30 saves last season.

As with other type A free agents who have been offered arbitration, if the Rockies are unable to resign the reliever they'll receive two draft picks, a 1st or 2nd round pick from the team that signs Fuentes (depending on that team's record the previous season) and a “sandwich” pick after the first round but before the second.

Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have offered pitcher A.J. Burnett arbitration while declining to extend an offer to catcher Greg Zaun. The offer to Burnett was an obvious move as Burnett has already opted out of his existing deal with the Jays and appears likely to cash in with a huge contract. By offering the pitcher arbitration, the Blue Jays, who still hope to resign the pitcher, will receive two draft picks should Burnett sign with another team.

Cardinals

Matthew Leach of MLB.com is reporting that the St. Louis Cardinals won't offer arbitration to any of their free agents which include Russ Springer (type A), Jason Isringhausen, and Braden Looper (type B). The decision not to offer Looper arbitration has me pretty puzzled as the Cardinals have a hole at the back end of their rotation and Looper has put up two very serviceable years as a starter.

The Cardinals have been very accommodating with Springer who has a special needs child attending a local school. I wouldn't be surprised if they're hoping to resign the 40 year old veteran to a deal worth less than an arbiter would award after his 50 innings, 2.32 ERA performance last year.

Twins

The Minnesota Twins offered arbitration to their only qualifying free agent, reliever Dennys Reyes (type B). Reyes, who made an even $1 million last year had an ERA of 2.33 in 46.1 innings pitched over 75 appearances making the decision to offer arbitration a no-brainer. I'd be quite surprised if the 11 year veteran accepted the offer as he's likely to receiver much higher offers considering his performance last year and the fact that he's a lefty. The Twins declined to extend offers to their free agents that did not qualify, "Everyday" Eddie Guardado, Nick Punto, and Adam Everett.

Tigers

The Detroit Tigers declined to offer arbitration to short stop Edgar Renteria, their only free agent that would have qualified them for compensatory draft picks (they also declined to make offers to Kenny Rogers, Freddie Garcia, and Kyle Farnsworth who didn't qualify). I'm a bit surprised that the Tigers weren't willing to take the risk of making an offer. Renteria appears dead set on leaving Detroit and likely the AL as a whole and I doubt he would have accepted arbitration, even though he likely would have received at least $9 million for the year.

Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have offered arbitration to Raul Ibanez (a type A free agent) while telling Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Cairo thanks but no thanks. Ibanez had a career year last year and has stated that he'd like to win which pretty much rules out returning to the Mariners, losers of 101 games last year.

Brewers

The Brewers have extended arbitration offers to CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, and Brian Shouse but not Eric Gagne (a type B free agent). Many commentators were watching the Brewers' move with Sheets as an indication of his health, but the Brewers would have been incredibly foolish had they not made the offer. Even if they're not sure Sheets can remain healthy, by making the offer they signal to the rest of the league that they'd like to keep him and as such, increase the likelihood he signs elsewhere giving them two extra draft picks. The offer might also been seen as a good will gesture and help in the Brewers negotiations to resign Sheets if they miss out on Sabathia.

Yankees

The Yankees have reportedly declined to offer arbitration to all 8 of their free agents, including Andy Pettitte and Bobby Abreu as well as Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina (who's retiring), and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. This means the Yankees will not receive any compensatory picks if and when their free agents sign elsewhere.

Pirates, Indians, & Giants

The Pitsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and San Francisco Giants did not have any free agents that qualified as type A or B and as such, extended no offers of arbitration.

Free agent, and often injured, pitcher Mike Hampton is headed back to the Houston Astros with a one year deal worth at least $2 million according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN and Fox Sports out of Houston. The veteran left hander had his best year as an Astro back in '99 when he went 22-4 with an ERA under 3.

The Astros are obviously hoping Hampton can overcome his recent history of injuries which limited him to only 8 wins in 25 starts over the last 4 years for the Atlanta Braves. The Astros finished in 3rd place in the NL Central last year and are looking to improve their rotation anchored by Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez. Oswalt has reportedly been trying to convince free agent Ben Sheets to sign with Houston as well. If they can keep Hampton healthy and can sign Sheets, the Astros would have a solid, although injury prone rotation.

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The Houston Astros (inexplicably acting like buyers) have traded for reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the New York Yankees in exchange for class A second baseman, Matt Cusick.

I've been incredibly confused by the Astros' actions over the past couple of weeks. Hawkins is 1-1 with an ERA of 5.71 and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Hawkins has reportedly been pitching better as of late but I still can't understand what the hell the Astros think they're doing. I mean, do they really think a right handed reliever with an ERA over 5 is going to help them make up the 9.5 games between them and a playoff spot?

Astro fans, you have my pitty. Not only are you having a rough year, but your GM is apparently delusional. Enjoy!

The AP is reporting that the San Diego Padres have traded starting pitcher Randy Wolf for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke.

Wolf, 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA will be a free agent at the end of the year and had a limited no trade clause which limited San Diego's options when seeking trading partners. Houston, however, is not on that list and needed a starter after ace Roy Oswalt hit the DL earlier this week.

Obviously the Astros are trying to compete this year, however, I don't really see that happening with the three strongest teams in the NL at least 10 games ahead of them in the division.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have signed RHP Jack Cassel. The Padres had refused to tender an offer for Cassel which made him available on the free-agent market. It's not a big gamble for the 'Stros, Cassel's one-year contract is reportedly worth $400,000.

In potentially bigger news, Houston has made an offer to free-agent Mark Prior. Prior, who is coming off shoulder surgery, is a bigger gamble. However, if he returns to form, he could provide a big boost for the Astros. Whoever he signs with, he's expected to get a one year contract full of incentives that will let him try the free-agent market again next year after he has had a full season to prove himself.

The list of teams interested in non-tendered Mark Prior is getting longer by the day. We already knew the list included the likes of the Reds, Astros, Padres, Nationals, and Rangers but today the Star Ledger is reporting that both New York teams are interested as well. Prior is still coming back from injury but reportedly could be ready towards the middle of the season and his agent is seeking a one year deal presumably to allow the young pitcher to re-prove himself. No matter what a free agent is looking for, it's always better to have the Yankees and Mets involved.

ESPN is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles have traded star short stop Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros for a huge haul of 5 players! In return for their offensive leader, the O's reportedly receive "Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third-base prospect Michael Costanzo." Tejada had been wanting out of Baltimore for quite a while and it appears he finally got his wish. The O's on the other hand have signaled that they will indeed enter a rebuilding phase which likely means trades of ace Erik Bedard and 2nd basemen Brian Robers will follow shortly.

It's difficult to think the timing of this deal didn't have something to do with the Mitchell Report due out tomorrow and Tejada's name being linked to the topic. I guess we'll figure that out tomorrow won't we?