Keeping those fans in mind, here's a look at the potential free agent market this off-season.

Starting Pitching
Unfortunately, this class doesn't quite stack up to last season's Kevin Brown, David Cone, and Randy Johnson-led group. There are a couple of good hurlers, though, including David Cone himself. Cone inked a one-year deal with the Yankees after last season, and I'd expect him to do the same if he doesn't retire.

In terms of big names, players worth noting include Chuck Finley, Omar Olivares, Jeff Fassero, and Aaron Sele in the American League, and Steve Traschel, Juan Guzman, Orel Hershiser, Kenny Rogers and Darren Oliver over in the National.

Several other notables could potentially be free agents, but their teams have a contract option for the 2000 season. With these possibilities, the list expands to include Dwight Gooden, Kevin Appier, and Donovan Osborne.

It seems to me that Guzman, Rogers and Sele would be at the top of the list, with Finley helping himself out quite a bit with his recent success. There are always teams looking for veteran starting pitching, and you can bet the bidding will be fast and furious, even for middle-of-the-road veterans.

Relief Pitching
There will be a number of closers or former closers on the market this winter, including Mike Trombley, Gregg Olson, and Jeff Brantley. None of those three immediately jump out as the cream of the crop, but any one of them might make good bargain signing (relatively speaking -- you know how the demand for pitching is these days).

If your team is in the market for a lefty in the pen, they should look no further than specialists Paul Assenmacher and Graeme Lloyd. If you like more than just one out from your left-hander, however, there are always Allen Watson, Norm Charlton, and Arthur Rhodes to be considered.

Nothing special in terms of right-handed relief, just the usual assortment of Bill Risleys and Mike Madduxes.

Catcher
It's a relatively weak group behind the plate this year -- no Mike Piazza. Both Dan Wilson and Sandy Alomar, Jr. have club options and figure to be back with their respective teams. Ditto Toronto's Darren Fletcher. Joe Girardi of the Yankees and Minnesota's Terry Steinbach will likely be the biggest names out there, but neither is much of a player anymore. There are a host of backup types available, including Mike McFarlane, Chad Kreuter, Joe Oliver, Brent Mayne, and Greg Myers.

One interesting player with an expired contract is Dave Nilsson, although the speculation is that he's going to retire and return to his native Australia.

First Base
Another small group, compared to last season's Mo Vaughn (no pun intended), Will Clark and Raffy Palmeiro. At the head of the class is John Olerud, a very good if underappreciated player. Olerud doesn't hit for all the power of a Jeff Bagwell or Mark McGwire, but he does draw a ton of walks and get on base at a wonderful clip. The Mets would love to re-sign him, and probably have the inside track.

After Olerud you're basically left with David Segui, a defensive whiz who really doesn't hit well enough to deserve a 1B job, and Mike Stanley, a "professional hitter" who would be better off as a designated hitter somewhere. Segui turned down a three-year, $18M offer from the Mariners in spring training, and is looking for big bucks in a four-year deal. Too bad the Orioles already signed Clark, or they'd no doubt be chomping at the bit.

Middle Infield
There is a decent free agent class in the middle infield, led by Randy Velarde and Jose Hernandez. Rey Sanchez will probably be a very hot commodity this season because he hit .300 and plays shortstop, but he also doesn't draw walks and isn't a good offensive player. He is a stellar defender, however, and will likely land a starting job somewhere. Also available at 2B are Texas' Mark McLemore and Mickey Morandini of the Cubs, who have little more going for them than known names. Tony Phillips will wind up somewhere with another club willing to give him a shot. The A's sure could have used him down the stretch this season...

Third Base
Another very weak group. Are we picking up on a theme yet? I won't even go into details -- I'll just mention Todd Zeile and Charlie Hayes and leave it at that.

Outfield
No Bernie Williams this year, but there is Jim Edmonds, albeit with a club option. Still, the Angels have talked of trading him before, and may have grown tired of his injuries and reportedly bad attitude to the point where they won't pick up the option.

Players without options include the ageless Otis Nixon, Lance Johnson, Greg Vaughn, and Luis Polonia, the latter of whom will probably parlay a deceptively mediocre season (he sat against lefties and didn't walk, but hit .300 with a few homers) into a starting job next season. Vaughn is the best of the bunch, and would be a good fit for a team needed a low-OBP slugger type.

Designated Hitter
Finally, a position that's well stocked for the off-season. First up is Edgar Martinez, the top DH in baseball and career Seattle Mariner. The M's would love to re-sign him, but Martinez has mentioned that he may have other plans, including winning a World Series before he retires. He'd be a great fit in Cleveland's already potent attack.