The Hot Stove is Beginning to Heat Up...

With the World Series now over, the focus of each Major League team now shifts to 2007. Teams will be evaluating their current players, going over scouting reports of other players and putting together a game plan to try to put together a winning ballclub in 2007.

With the amount of player movement in MLB these days, there's an even greater number of rumors floating around year-long. Some partially truthful, most fiction. Here's what The Baseball Notebook has heard, seen and read recently:

• With the abundance of outfielders in the Tampa organization and its need for good young pitching and with the White Sox "excess" of starting pitching and need of a CF, a Carl Crawford for Brandon McCarthy rumor has been floating around. On the surface, it makes sense for both teams, but I just don't see it happening. Could Crawford be dealt? Possibly. The Rays also have Rocco Baldelli, Johnny Gomes, Delmon Young and Damon Hollins on the major league roster, and prospects like Elijah Dukes in the farm system. And other than Young, Crawford could bring the most return...but I don't think the White Sox will be trading McCarthy. Look for them to deal one of their veteran starters (Freddy Garcia?), if any at all.
• Free agent outfielder Gary Matthews, Jr. has generated a lot of interest from clubs around the league. The switch-hitter who finally got a chance to play everyday had a career highs in most statistical categories in 2006. Teams hot on his trail include the Cubs, White Sox, Angels and Dodgers.
• Alfonso Soriano, arguably the most sought-after free agent this season, reportedly is looking for a contract similar to what Carlos Beltran signed with the NY Mets in 2005 (7 years, $119 million). The problem is, Beltran was 28 when inked that deal, Soriano will be 31 in January. Look for him to end up with a 5 or 6 year deal in the $85-$90 million range. The Phillies have started off negotiations with Soriano by offering him a 5 year, $75 million offer. A few million dollars more than the offer Soriano turned down from the Washington Nationals a few weeks back.
• Word out of Houston is that both Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte are considering retirement. The Rocket, who is 45 now, appears finally ready to hang them up. Pettitte, who battled elbow problems throughout the 2006 season, has never really had the desire or the competitive fire, so his departure would not be surprising.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks, a team rebuilding, is looking to lock up two of its veterans long-term. GM Josh Byrnes views OF Eric Byrnes and 2B Orlando Hudson as two key components to build a young club around.
• The Baltimore Orioles have a need for a big bat in the outfield to go along with youngsters Corey Patterson and Nick Markakis. Mets free agent Cliff Floyd has already expressed an interest, however, he would only be a back-up plan if the Orioles cannot land Carlos Lee or Alfonso Soriano via free agency or another big bat (Sheffield?) via trade. The O's will also be looking for a first baseman and some bullpen help.
• 3B Aramis Ramirez, who voided the final two seasons of his contract with the Chicago Cubs is the apple of the Anaheim Angels' eye. But don't rule out him resigning with the Cubs or possibly heading to the Dodgers, who can move Wilson Betemit back to more of a utility role.
• The Mets have an opening at 2B with their main focus on free agents Julio Lugo, Mark Loretta and Ronnie Belliard. Lugo has also been targeted by the Boston Red Sox to play SS. And it has been long assumed that Belliard would return to the Indians after a late-season trade to the Cardinals. If the Mets fail to land any of those three, look for a possible Aaron Heilman-Cesar Izturis trade with the Cubs.
• Pirates 3B Joe Randa has announced his retirement. The rangy third baseman bounced around with the Royals, Pirates, Tigers, Reds and Padres during his 12-year career. Decided to hang'em up after losing his starting job to youngster Freddy Sanchez. For his career, Randa hit .284 with 123 HRs and 739 RBIs in over 1500 games.