The Rays appear interested in free-agent Brian Fuentes as they search for a new closer. Fuentes, 35, had 24 saves and a 2.81 ERA in 48 games for the Angels and Twins last season. Nearly a dozen teams are reported to be interested in Fuentes, coming off a two-year, $17.5 million deal that had a $9 million option for 2011.

The Red Sox will bring reliever Hideki Okajima back with a one-year contract, according to a report by WEEI in Boston. Okajima, 35, who has been with the Red Sox since 2007, was non-tendered by the team in Nov., went 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA in 56 games last season.

The Reds are looking for a veteran outfielder/infielder and have spoken to the agents for Scott Podsednik and Edgar Renteria. "What we're looking for is veteran outfielder, preferably a left-handed hitting outfielder and an infielder who can back up at shortstop," general manager Walt Jocketty said. Cincinnati has entertained the idea of signing other players as well. "We've talked to some other free agents as well," Jocketty said.

As many as six teams are interested in right-handed reliever Chad Qualls, according to the Bay Area News Group's Joe Stiglich. Qualls went 3-4 with a 7.32 ERA in just 21 innings with the Rays in 2010.

The Angels are now the front-runners to sign third baseman Adrian Beltre, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Athletics, who made multiple offers to Beltre, pulled their offers this week in order to pursue other players. The Rangers remain interested in Beltre, but they are uncomfortable with his price tag.

There is still a ton of interest in free-agent reliever Brian Fuentes, according to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman. Heyman wrote on his Twitter page that the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rays, Rockies, Mariners, Twins, Pirates, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees and Mets all have at least some interest in the left-hander. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggested last week that Fuentes is seeking a deal similar to the three-year, $15 million contract Scott Downs received.

There have been reports that the Yankees are interested in free-agent Manny Ramirez, but team president Randy Levine is downplaying them. "Like all free agents his name came up and was discussed, but we go over every free agent," Levine said.

Jeff Francis says reports indicating he's close to a contract agreement are false. He has been targeted by the Mets, Yankees and others, but the left-hander doesn't appear to have received any official offers. "It's exciting for people to read because they think there's lots of things happening, but it's not as fast-paced as it's all made out to be," Francis said. "Teams are interested, but that's about it at this point."

Rangers president Nolan Ryan didn't give a straight answer when asked whether the team had interest in free-agent Adrian Beltre. "Well, when you have a player of his caliber out there, you have to have an interest if it's realistic within what your budget is and how he would fit into your ball club and how you would hit him in the lineup and stuff of that nature," Ryan told the Dallas Morning News. "So, obviously with our ball club, it wouldn't be nearly as clear-cut as somebody else, say whether it be the Angels and the rumor is that Oakland has made him offer. I would say if you looked at the free agent market right now, he's probably the premier free agent that?s still unsigned."

R.A. Dickey will be in the starting rotation for the Mets in 2011, but the terms of his contract aren't yet complete. The two sides could end up in arbitration if they don't come to terms on an agreement. "The last thing I want is an arbitration hearing," Dickey told The New York Daily News. "Going into a room and hearing them say something bad about you just isn't a desirable situation. They can beat you up pretty good. I hope they don't want that as much as I don't." The deadline for exchanging figures is Jan. 18.