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Thursday, April 2
The Indiana Daily Student

You are now free to move about the country

Only a week removed from the reverse of "The Curse," it's time to put an end to the celebrating and look to next season. Teams already have to deal with free agents and unhappy players who are demanding trades and contract changes. At this rate, Boston could see several of its miracle workers in different uniforms next season. So kiss that World Series trophy just one more time, guys, and start looking at real estate in the major cities around the country. \nBoston isn't the only team that might see a major personnel change in the offseason, though. The Cubs, Astros, Diamondbacks and White Sox might also see some of their marquee players buying plane tickets in the near future. Owners better open their checkbooks and find a pen with plenty of ink because the following players will not come cheap:\nRandy Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks -- Despite bringing a World Series championship to the Diamondbacks just a few years ago, Johnson most likely won't be calling Arizona his home for much longer. Though he is not a free agent, the White Sox are reportedly interested in bringing Johnson to the Windy City. Wouldn't he just be the perfect addition to a starting rotation that already includes Jose Contreras?\nCarlos Beltran, Houston Astros -- Beltran had one of the most outstanding postseason performances in Major League Baseball history this year. His youth, speed and great hitting ability make him the hottest item this offseason. Being the hottest item, though, equates to about an eight-figure salary (George Steinbrenner is already tapping his Swiss bank account).\nNomar Garciaparra, Chicago Cubs -- After being traded to the Cubs late last season, Nomar simply went from one curse to another. He has officially filed for free agency, so he is definitely on his way out. But look on the bright side, Nomar, at least your wife has plenty of hardware to fill your trophy room.\nPedro Martinez, Boston Red Sox -- With a long list of free agents already, the Red Sox may have no choice but to say their goodbyes to Pedro. Who knows, Pedro may head to New York and put on pin stripes. There's nothing else like father-son bonding.\nMagglio Ordoñez, Chicago White Sox -- Chicago now has the biggest World Series drought in the MLB, and losing Ordoñez won't help the White Sox's chances of even winning their division. \nSammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs -- Baseball hasn't been very good to Sammy in recent years. The one-time home run king in the National League has struggled the past few seasons and is constantly arguing with Cubs management. A trade is almost inevitable, but not many teams would want his poor fielding, high salary and numerous strikeouts in their lineup.\nAdrian Beltre, Los Angeles Dodgers -- As an NL Most Valuable Player candidate, Beltre defined a breakout season this past year with incredible power hitting for a third baseman. He would be the perfect addition to a team looking for defensive strength at one of its corners and a solid third or fourth hitter.\nThis could turn out to be one of the most exciting offseasons in a long time. On the other hand, this also could turn into a bidding war where Mr. Steinbrenner will dig deep into his billionaire pockets. Whichever way you look at it, the 2005 season is already underway.\nSo for all of you who went out and bought those Garciaparra Cubs jerseys, I hope you kept your receipts.

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