Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies for winning the 2008 World series!  Now the countdown to the free agent begins on November 14th.  To kick off the run-up, let's see what FOXSports' Ken Rosenthal as to say.

Amongst updates on Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira and the closer market, Ken Rosenthal reports the talks between the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves are on hold as the Padres ask for five players in return for Jake Peavy and speculates the deal could hinge on whether the Braves take SS Khalil Greene back in the deal.  Greene would immediately become a sleeper SS next season because of his power at the position.

George A. King III and Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post jump right into the Hot Stove talk by reporting industry sources say the New York Yankees will "make a serious push for Manny Ramirez to play right field."  Yeah, just what the Yankees need - an older defensive liability in the outfield.

The Kansas City Royals appear close to adding Florida Marlins 1B Mike Jacobs in exchange for a low-cost major league reliever.  Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star speculates Leo Nunez or Ramon Ramirez could be that reliever.

While Jacobs' OBP (.299 last year, .315 career) would be a drawback, he did slug .514 last season and that is also needed in the Kansas City line-up.  The OBP will draw any criticism the Royals receive because rookie 1B Kila Ka'aihue was well over .400 between AA and AAA last season and hit 37 HRs.  Unfortunately, Ka'aihue also hits from the left side of the plate so a platoon isn't available.