Matt Kemp
Rumors

John Lackey is the only top of the rotation starter available in free agency, but that does not mean he'll be the only ace-level pitcher to change teams this off season.  As teams like the Blue Jays and Braves enter rebuilding phases, big names pitchers like Roy Halladay and Javier Vazquez could are viable trade options.  But, which teams would be interested and able to acquire top pitching talent?  Buster Olney of espn.com evaluates:

Milwaukee Brewers

CC Sabathia is an exhibt of both why the Brewers could be looking for a big name pitcher and why they can't afford to get one.  On one had, it was just a year ago that they offered Sabathia $100M in free agency, perhaps enough to land Lackey.  On the other hand, in order to acquire Sabathia, they seriously depleted their farm system and that makes taking a run at Halladay and Vazquez difficult. 

Texas Rangers

Back in July when Roy Halladay rumors were dominating the headlines, the Rangers were one of the most logical choices for Halladay to be traded to, but financial concerns killed any chance of the move going through.  The Rangers have alleviated their financil difficulty (for now, anyway) and still have a wealth of prospects to trade for Halladay or Vazquez.  Olney mentions that there have been rumors of the Braves and Rangers discussing a deal for Vazquez already.  Even if the Rangers do not want to part with their young talent, Lackey could still be an option for a team that seems to be a pitcher away.

Los Angeles Angels

Whether the Angels resign Lackey or not, they will still be below last year's payroll because of the likely departure of a number of free agents, even after the recent Bobby Abreu  resiging.  Talks between the Angels and Lackey seem to be mild at best, but perhaps the Angels are positioned to make an offer for Halladay.  The Blue Jays are known to be looking for middle infield talent and the Angels have plenty.  Any money not spent on Lackey could be used to sign Halladay to a long-term extension. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

The impending divorce of team owners Frank and Jaime McCourt could change everything, but assuming that the finances of the divorce are not worked out this off-season, the Dodgers could really use another pitcher (as evidenced by how much they struggled in the post-season).  The challenge is, can they acquire someone like Halladay or Vazquez without moving Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp who are untouchable.

Will Javier Vazquez be a Brave in 2010?

Let's take a look at Ken Rosenthal's latest column:

• The As are considered the leading team to sign Rafael Furcal.
• Randy Johnson and Nick Johnson are two other veterans the As are looking to add.  Jason Giambi does not appear to be a preference.
• The Phillies reported offer to Derek Lowe seems to be a back up plan if the team can not bring back Jaime Moyer.  Interestingly, the Dodgers are considered to be interested in Moyer.
• Speaking of back up plans, the Yankees have expressed interest in Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf who would seem to be back up plans if the team can not sign CC Sabathia and/or AJ Burnett and/or Lowe.
• The Braves have left the possibility of five guaranteed years open for Burnett.
• The Braves alleged interest in Adam Dunn seems to be low at best.  Raul Ibanez is another option, but signing him will be expensive as well.  The team is more likely to try and trade Kelly Johnson for outfield help.
• It's just Rosenthal's speculation, but he believes that trade talks between the Yankees and Dodgers about a Robinson Cano for Matt Kemp trade will rekindle next week.
• The Cubs continue to speak frequently with the Padres about trying to get a deal for Jake Peavy done.  Previously reported rumors about the Orioles being the third team involved in trade talks have died down.
• The Royals might consider trying to sign Kyle Farnsworth.

Let's take a look at Ken Rosenthal's latest:

• One general manager mentioned that if he could sign Manny Ramirez he'd offer a two-year deal between $25M and $30M per season with a vesting option for the third year.
• Regardless of their public stance, the Mets and Yankees will certainly inquire about Ramirez's services
• With the possibly departure of Pat Burrell the Phillies could look to Ramirez to fill in.
• Along with yesterday's report of candidates that were denied permission to speak to the Ms or simply declined an interview, we can add the Padres Kevin Towers, the Tigers Al Avila, and the White Sox Rick Hahn. 
• Despite earlier reports, friends of Mike Mussina believe he will retire because he does not think that the Yankees will be good enough for him to get to 300 wins in three years as he has previously stated would be necessary.  The Phillies and Red Sox are options and Mussina is expected to file for free agency whether he returns the New York, baseball, or retires.  The Mets are not likely.
• The Dodgers are interested in acquiring Robinson Cano.  Would Matt Kemp be available in return?
• Derek Lowe is rumored to have little interest in play in New York (Mets OR Yankees) and would like to try and stay on the west coast.
• The Brewers are expected to exercise their $10M option on Mike Cameron for 2009.

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated has posted his latest column.  Let's take a look:

• One unnamed Yankees official feels it will take a contract well above market value to lure CC Sabathia to New York, but more importantly, out of the National League.
• The Yankees are also looking to trade for a centerfielder which means they're obviously not happy with the defensive play of Johnny Damon who is owed $13M for 2009.  Nate McLouth, David DeJesus and Matt Kemp have all been discussed with Robinson Cano as the headliner of a package to get one of those players. 
• Heyman doesn't believe the Yankees will resign Jason Giambi or Bobby Abreu because of their poor defense.  It's going to cost New York $5M just to get rid of Giambi. 
• Rumors of the Brewers interest in acquiring Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts during the spring have been confirmed. 
• Heyman fuels the Matt Cain for Prince Fielder rumors, despite no official from either club having formally mentioned such a deal.  He feels that might free up the Giants to then go after CC Sabathia. 
• Another dark horse for Sabathia are the Rockies.