Major League Baseball

Team-by-team NL winter meetings outlook

Published Dec. 6, 2009 6:08 p.m. ET

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Here's a team-by-team look around the majors, with the winter meetings set to begin Monday:

American League | National League

News and notes

Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi have their fingers on the pulse of the MLB offseason news. Get all the latest notes from around the league.

Arizona: After a disastrous 2009 season, the Diamondbacks might be a starter or two away from contending next year. They would like to add a veteran to the rotation and slot him behind Dan Haren, a (supposedly) healthy Brandon Webb and Max Scherzer. (Could Atlanta be a trading partner?) Arizona's payroll could increase at a time when the Dodgers are tightening theirs, an encouraging sign for the Diamondbacks. Catcher Chris Snyder is available.

Atlanta: The Braves have already addressed two bullpen needs, signing closer Billy Wagner and setup man Takashi Saito last week. Now GM Frank Wren can continue his search for a slugger, with starter Derek Lowe his preferred trade chip. Atlanta needs to add run production at first base and left field. Free agent Mike Cameron — a LaGrange, Ga., native — would be a popular choice in the outfield. Do they want to bring back Adam LaRoche as a free agent?

Chicago: The Cubs can't begin improving their club in earnest until they deal away Milton Bradley, so look for GM Jim Hendry to seek a quick resolution this week. One bit of information obscured somewhat by the Bradley rumors: Ted Lilly, arguably the Cubs' best pitcher this year, will miss the start of the regular season while recovering from shoulder surgery. And it doesn't look like Rich Harden is going to be back. This team needs an outfielder and rotation help.

Cincinnati: Walt Jocketty got an early start on his offseason shopping — as in July, with the addition of third baseman Scott Rolen. If the Reds have Rolen, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce in their lineup for a full season, they should be better in 2010. But their rotation is iffy, which is why it would be very difficult for them to move Bronson Arroyo or Aaron Harang, despite reports of their availability. If anything, they should try to add a low-cost starter.

Colorado: The Rockies will bring back most of the players responsible for this year's surprise wild-card berth, although Jason Marquis seems likely to sign elsewhere. (Colorado should be able to replace him with a healthy Jeff Francis.) The Rockies will need to invest in a new setup man and catcher if Rafael Betancourt and Yorvit Torrealba depart via free agency. Dan O'Dowd will try to deal Garrett Atkins, but he's almost certainly going to be non-tendered.