Andrew Friedman has often said bullpens are "volatile."

The Rays have been able to successfully tweak its stock of relievers each of the past several seasons.

Tampa Bay had a Major League-best 2.88 bullpen ERA in 2012, something that will be hard to repeat.

"So many things have to go exactly right," Jim Hickey said. "If I told you right now, [Fernando] Rodney was going to save 43 out of 49 games and have a 1.89 ERA, and that would be almost a disappointment compared to last year. They really did set the bar high.

"But I expect them to be very good, I expect them to be playoff-caliber good, and if we get into the playoffs, to take us all the way."

Friedman said they're still looking for one or two relievers, and he has a track record of acquiring quality arms for the bullpen.

The Royals have signed Endy Chavez to a minor league contract.

San Francisco also had some interest in the outfielder.

Chavez signed a one-year, $1.5MM deal with the Orioles last offseason and hit .203/.236/.278 in 169 plate appearances for Baltimore in 2012.

The Marlins are listening to offers for Giancarlo Stanton, who they claim they aren't looking to move but are simply following club policy by answering phone calls.

Stanton will not be arbitration eligible until 2014 and isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season.

Miami is in no rush to trade Stanton. Yet, it remains highly unlikely he will agree to a long-term contract.

Kyle Lohse may be the best starter on the free agent market as the calender turns to January.

The Tigers, Dodgers, Brewers and Rangers could go after him for a variety of reasons.

Mike Napoli will be forced to work out his three-year, $39 million deal with the Red Sox, unless he wants to sign a one-year deal elsewhere or a two-year deal with the Rangers.

As 2012 draws to a close, Michael Bourn remains the top available free agent on the open market.

The market for Bourn appears to have dried up a bit after a number of other center field options came off the board.

Some of the other top players left are Rafael Soriano, Adam LaRoche and Kyle Lohse.

Adam LaRoche said Friday night that he is talks with multiple clubs, but his preference is to return to the Nationals.

He hinted at frustration that he hasn't been able to reach a deal with Washington.

"We're talking to a few other teams," LaRoche said. "Got to keep things open in case Washington doesn't work out. I'm still hopeful that it will, but as you know it takes two sides cooperating to make that happen. I'm doing everything I can."

LaRoche added he has avoided injecting himself directly in negotiations, instead choosing to "let the guys who get paid to do that do their job."

The Orioles remain in contact with the agent for Joe Saunders, according to executive vice president Dan Duquette.

Some members of the media keep trying to link the Orioles to Kyle Lohse, but they don't give out big contracts to free-agent pitchers.

The Nationals still don't have an agreement in place with Adam LaRoche as 2013 approaches.

No deal is in sight, according to a source, even though it was reported last Saturday that progress had been made.

LaRoche wants a three-year contract, but Washington hasn't budged from their two-year offer. The club made a qualifying offer worth $13.3 million last November, but LaRoche turned it down. He has reportedly been pursued by the Red Sox as they struggle to finalize a deal with Mike Napoli.

Boston isn't likely to give LaRoche a three-year deal either.

The Nationals are looking for a left-handed reliever and J.P. Howell remains atop their wish list.

The danger is that there is little on the market behind Howell.