The Red Sox are likely to offer catcher Jason Varitek arbitration to ensure that they will get something in return should he reject the deal and sign elsewhere. Varitek is a Type A free agent, meaning that Boston would guarantee themselves two draft picks should he sign with another team.

The Braves don't plan to offer pitcher John Smoltz arbitration by Monday's deadline as they wait to see how he heals from shoulder surgery in June. If Atlanta did offer arbitration, and Smoltz accepted, he would position himself to make at least 80 percent of his 2008 salary ($14 million).

The White Sox have no intention of bringing Orlando Cabrera back to the team but are offering him arbitration in hopes of landing extra draft picks. If Cabrera rejects the team's offer, which is expected, Chicago would receive two draft picks as compensation.

Kansas City must make a decision on Monday regarding whether or not to offer veteran infielder Mark Grudzielanek arbitration. If arbitration is offered, and Grudzielanek signs with another team, the Royals would receive a compensatory draft pick. Grudzielanek is the team's only free agent.

The Phillies have until Monday to offer salary arbitration to their four free agents: lefthander Jamie Moyer, leftfielder Pat Burrell, and relievers Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez. Philadelphia is likely to offer Moyer arbitration. They have had serious discussions with the pitcher about a contract extension but have been unable to reach an agreement. If Moyer, 46, accepts arbitration by next Sunday's deadline, he would be a signed player for 2009.

Free agency isn't the only avenue the Mets are exploring to find a closer this offseason. They reportedly have interest in the Houston's Jose Valverde, Colorado's Huston Street, Seattle's J.J. Putz, and Bobby Jenks of the White Sox. New York's bullpen this past season had a 4.25 ERA, which ranked 13th in the National League.

Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa has informed all teams other than the Red Sox that he is rejecting their offers. Tazawa reportedly contacted the Rangers, Mariners, and Braves on Friday to formally tell them he won't be accepting their offers. Boston has yet to comment on their reported signing of Tazawa. Tazawa, according to the Japanese media, is expected to formally announce his signing with the Boston Red Sox in the early part of next week, perhaps as soon as Monday.

Raul Ibanez remains high on the list of at least three playoff-caliber teams, with the Cubs, Phillies, and Mets each talking to his agent this week. Mariners' GM Jack Zduriencik talked to Ibanez?s agent but was returning the call, not making an offer.

Padres' CEO Sandy Alderson said he has offered to talk to Padres closer Trevor Hoffman and his agent Rick Thurman since an impasse moved him into free agency. Hoffman's camp hasn't responded, Alderson said Friday.

Some teams could look to sign players with a history of injury to an incentive-laden deal to lower the risk of spending a ton of money this offseason. John Smoltz and Tom Glavine, respectively 40 and 43 in March, pitched merely 28 and 63 1/3 innings in 2008. They will undoubtedly be injury risks for any interested team, but incentives - for something like making 20 starts - could help suitors calculate the risk.