Some of the hot topics at GM meetings … Baseball's general managers usually have a week after the end of the World Series before gathering at a plush resort in some warm-weather site for their annual meetings.  Not this year.  —  The Phillies' parade is barely over and Chase Utley's farewell expletive …

Yanks sign former Marlins pitcher Mitre  —  Rehabbing hurler might not be ready to play until midseason  —  MIAMI — Sergio Mitre, who underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on July 15, is reuniting with Joe Girardi.  —  When Girardi managed the Marlins in 2006, Mitre was part of the pitching staff.

Rox: Fuentes leaving as free agent  —  DANA POINT, CALIF. — What was implausible in September has become impossible in November.  —  The Rockies will not re-sign closer Brian Fuentes, agent Rick Thurman said, all but closing that door Monday morning at the general managers' meetings.

Brewers bring back Cameron for '09  —  Team picks up center fielder's $10M option for next season  —  MILWAUKEE — Mike Cameron will be back in center field at Miller Park in 2009.  —  Facing a Monday deadline for their decision, the Brewers exercised a $10 million option to bring Cameron back for a second season in Milwaukee.

2009 Top 50 Free Agents  —  By Tim Dierkes [November 3 at 12:31pm CST]  —  It's time for the third annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list!  The entire list of available free agents can be found here.  —  A note before we begin - this is a complicated puzzle …

Giants ink first baseman Phelps  —  Former Jay signs Minor League deal with Spring Training invite  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Adding potential depth Monday, the Giants signed first baseman Josh Phelps to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training.

Some bits and pieces from Cashman  —  Brian Cashman just met with the New York reporters who are here.  —  As you might imagine, it's not like he sits there and runs down the list of players he wants.  But a few interesting things did come out of the session:  —  1. He does not consider center field a priority.

Rays decline options on Floyd, Miller  —  The Rays have declined to exercise options for DH Cliff Floyd and LHP Trever Miller for the 2009 season, making both veterans free agents.  —  Floyd, 35, was a acquired as a free agent before last season and was credited with playing a big role …

GREG MADDUX ‘ALMOST CERTAIN’ TO RETIRE  —  DANA POINT, Calif. — Greg Maddux, the eighth winningest pitcher in major league history, is almost certain to retire, his agent, Scott Boras, said tonight.  —  “He hasn't made a final decision, but for now it is doubtful he will play (any longer),” Boras said at the GM Meetings.