Five questions that will define offseason  —  Thoughts on how Red Sox will fill key holes as they build for 2010  —  What follows are their answers:  —  Gammons: In the end, I think they will re-sign Bay, for somewhere in the four year, $64 million range.  It's difficult to read who will compete with them.

Lincecum's the one; that makes two Cys  —  Wainwright finishes third despite getting most first-place votes  —  SAN FRANCISCO — For Tim Lincecum, less was indeed more in 2009.  —  The San Francisco Giants right-hander won fewer games but added to his pitching legend.

Luis Castillo's fate key to offseason moves for New York Mets  —  It's day 16 after the Yankees won the World Series, which means the Mets finally can begin bidding on free agents and reestablishing their relevance.  That, or begin frustrating their fans anew.

Heilman dealt for two prospects  —  Cubs receive pitcher Maine, infielder White from D-backs  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs dealt right-handed reliever Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday for two Minor League prospects.  —  Heilman, 31, was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70 games in his only season in Chicago.

Sources: Braves finding it tough to shop Lowe  —  Braves right-hander Derek Lowe turns 37 on June 1.  He is guaranteed $15 million in each of the next three seasons.  And he had a 6.65 ERA in his final nine starts.

Atkins won't be released Friday when 40-man roster set  —  DENVER — Garrett Atkins' future remains in limbo after the club told him that he won't be released Friday when 40-man rosters set.  Atkins is in final year of arbitration, and the Rockies aren't going to pay him in excess …

Dodgers won't be pursuing John Lackey  —  Despite needing help in the pitching rotation, the club isn't looking to sign the veteran ace.  President Dennis Mannion rules out ‘any outlandish-type decisions.’  —  Dodgers President Dennis Mannion said the team isn't planning to pursue free-agent pitcher John Lackey.

Ranking the top free agents (Nos. 1-10)  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today … Who's better: Jason Bay, Matt Holliday or John Lackey?  And where do the Cubans fit in?  For Keith Law's free-agent rankings and scouting reports, you must be an ESPN Insider.

Strasburg hurts knee, out of Saturday's AFL title game [UPDATED]  —  Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' prized pitching phenom, twisted his left knee while shagging flies during batting practice before the Phoenix Desert Dogs' regular season finale in the Arizona Fall League on Thursday …

What it means to make a player ‘available’  —  Earlier this afternoon, Bob Nightengale of USA Today unleashed a panic amongst the members of the Yankee Universe.  “The Yankees,” he Tweeted, “ever so quietly, are letting teams know that RF Nick Swisher is available.”  —  Nick Swisher!  Available!

Coop tells pitchers it's time to raise the bar  —  Team captain Paul Konerko made the saying popular in the White Sox clubhouse back in 2008: “F feelings, it's about winning.”  —  Not only has manager Ozzie Guillen made that his personal mantra, but wants his entire organization to eat and sleep it.

Re-signing their own Astros' priority  —  Club has fewer resources for free agency than past years  —  HOUSTON — When it comes to the big names of the free-agent market this offseason, don't expect to see the likes of Matt Holliday or John Lackey spending time looking for real estate …

A Study In Unintentional Hilarity  —  Update: hat-tip to user FlashFlood who sent in the question, Noble-bait of the year.  —  I swore I'd never make fun of another Marty Noble Mailbag Inbox.  Patrick from Connecticut had other plans: … You feel that?