[Matt from TN]

Here's a brief rundown of the major player movement during the winter prior to 2003 Spring Training. This is brief only because it's a recap. When the next offseason arrives, the report will be much more in-depth.

C Garret Duran, ORE: Now known as one of the premier catchers in the NBL (a league with many offensive backstops), Duran left Oregon as soon as his 5-year eligibility arrived. He shocked the league by signing a 5-year deal with hapless New Hampshire where he will make over $8.6 million per year.

C Mitchell Breeden, WSH: A slugging catcher. Left division champ Washington to play with small market Louisiana.

SS Dick Roche, NJ: One of the all-time best baserunners in the league. Will be playing for Alaska.

1B Greg Caminan, ARZ: Hall-of-Fame potential. On many offensive career leaderboards. At age 38, has slowed somewhat. Signed 2-year contract with Michigan.

RF Charles Hunter, MIS: Came on strong in last few seasons of arbitration. Will now wear Oklahoma jersey. One of the best acquisitions for Coyotes in many years.

CL Marc Germaine, NJ: One of the two best closers of all-time. Did not get many good offers. Will get over $6 mill per year in New Hampshire. May be bad situation statistically for him, since there will be few save opportunities on lousy team.

CF Eric Crenshaw, TEX: Age 36, but a Hall-of-Famer. Incredible career. Still hit .333 with 26 HR, 104 RBI, 28 SB in 2002. Surprisingly signed with Oklahoma.

2B Tyke Quincey, WIS: One of league's best 2B's. Career .321 AVG. Still has power at age 35. Signed with Texas.

1B Fernando Villalpando, ALB: With Alabama, was part of the NBL's best 3-4 hitter combo. Only 28, but has career .338 AVG and 127 HR. Has had 100+ RBI in 4 of 5 seasons. Will make over $11 million for 6 years in Missouri.

CF Tomo Tsunami, KAN: Japanese native has career .299 AVG in first 5 seasons, along with 99 HR and 193 SB. Signed with Tennessee and will give his new team another offensive threat.

CL Robert Honug, SC: Career 2.52 ERA. Has had ERA under 2.00 four times in past six seasons! 218 saves to his credit. A huge addition to Missouri's improving pitching staff.

C Mike Wilson, ILL: Gets little notoriety due to other stellar catchers. Has .302 career AVG and can hit a few homers too. Will give Missouri a better offensive catcher.

1B Benny Covasonn, KAN: Possible Hall-of-Famer. Age 35 and still hits for average. Has lost some of his power stroke though. Signed with Ohio.

RF Wayman Lucas, DEL: Age 30, with .298 career AVG. Hits 20+ HR's per year and should drive in a lot of runs for Virginia.

MR Clay Abrahms, WIS: One of the best setup men. Has a chance to be a closer in Ohio.

C Stan Nolan, CAL: Also part of super-catching crop from last several years. Hits 30+ homers and drives in runs. Has a chance at playoffs in New Jersey.

SP Rusty Catlin, TEX: A very strong pitcher. Best free agent starter this season, which paid off in $10.7 million contract with Nevada. 123-81 career record.

LF Ross Chandler, CAL: A pure hitter. Hit over .400 in one of the last short seasons (56 game schedule). Has decent power, average speed and good fielder. (His name is not a 'Friends' reference, that's pure coincedence).