Rand Wolf, who we had listed as one of the top ten MLB free agents, has agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. His contract calls for him to be paid between $5 million and $8 million depending on incentives.
Wolf had a solid season in 2008, splitting it between the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros. Combined, Wolf had a 12-12 record and a 4.30 ERA. His 12 wins were the most he’s had since he put up 16 wins in 2003 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Wolf, who is a California native, can earn the extra $3 million if he …read more

Andy Pettitte
Although Andy Pettitte reportedly turned down a one-year, $10 million deal from the New York Yankees earlier in the offseason, the two sides are still talking. The Yankees are hoping Pettitte will eventually accept a deal around the same amount of money.
Manny Ramirez
A lot of insiders have expected the New York Mets to make a run at Manny Ramirez but that doesn’t appear to be happening. The Mets instead are looking around for pitching. Ramirez looks like he has a couple suitors, with the San Francisco Giants showing the most interest. A new darkhorse? The Texas Rangers.
Ivan Rodriguez
The interesting …read more

1. Manny Ramirez
Could Ramirez be heading to the Giants?
2. Derek Lowe
The Mets are after Lowe.
3. Adam Dunn
Dunn might replace Ramirez in Los Angeles.
4. Milton Bradley
The latest rumors have the Cubs most interested.
5. Oliver Perez
Expect the Mets to retain him.
6. Pat Burrell
The Phillies look to be moving on.
7. Orlando Hudson
Sleeper of the free agent market.
8. Bobby Abreu
Breaking down but still a solid player.
9. Ben Sheets
Risky signing but could reward.
10. Randy Wolf
Could quietly be steal of the offseason.

My preview of the Padres is up at Hardball Times. One issue I touch on is the uncertainty at the back end of San Diego’s rotation:
Last year the Padres brought in Greg Maddux and David Wells. One of those worked out real well, the other not so much. This year it’s Randy Wolf and Mark Prior. The situation is a little different, though, because Maddux basically never misses a start, while Wolf hasn’t made as many as 20 since 2004. As for Prior, my advice is not to think about him at all and hope for a pleasant surprise later …read more