As indicated these are pitchers both starters and relief who will become free agents
If they want a top-flight starter, then Florida's A.J. Burnett will top their list. The Marlins entertained thoughts of trading him at the deadline, but found themselves in the playoff hunt and pulled back. They still might not be able to satisfy Burnett's demands, but he fits Ricciardi's profile as a young veteran with upside who could fit with Halladay and Lilly. Of course, Boston, New York, and others will contend for Burnett, as well.
Beyond that, there's Angels lefthander Jarrod Washburn, Dodgers righthander Jeff Weaver, the 40-plus Jamie Moyer and Kenny Rogers, and guys like Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris, Jeff Suppan, Tony Armas Jr., Brett Tomko, Jason Johnson, Paul Byrd, and Shawn Estes.Millwood is fascinating. He's 6-10, but the Guardians have scored just 12 runs total in his 10 losses. They have been shut out in four of his last nine starts. ''I don't know what it is," said Millwood. ''There's nothing I can do about it but keep going out there and pitching. Whatever happens happens. There may be better options in relief.
Philadelphia's Billy Wagner and Baltimore's B.J. Ryan, two flamethrowing lefties, are the class of the group. Wagner could be off the market if the Phillies meet his demand for a contract extension by Sept. 1. Beyond that, there's White Sox closer Dustin Hermanson, Red Sox setup man Mike Timlin, Yankees setup man Tom Gordon, Cleveland closer Bob Wickman, and two of his top setup guys, both former Red Sox: lefty Scott Sauerbeck and righty Bob Howry.
Kyle Farnsworth, traded by the Tigers to the Braves, could be much sought after if the Braves don't lock him up, and it looks as if Pittsburgh will make every effort to retain Jose Mesa.