The great unknown has become the great concern for general managers in trying to figure out what to do with this winter's free-agent crop.

When the Rockies offered arbitration to free agent Brian Fuentes, which he eventually declined, general manager Dan O'Dowd was asked if he was concerned that Fuentes might accept and win a $10 million salary.

Not a concern, said O'Dowd. Given Fuentes' abilities, O'Dowd said he would be comfortable with that in light of the fact it is a one-year.

"We have projections and budgets for (2009),'' said O'Dowd. "Where you are uncertain are the years after that. If the economy rebounds things will get back in order, but if the economy doesn't improve there could be adjustments we will all have to make.''

Translation: Teams are being careful in their long-term commitments given the growing concerns about the American economy. It's one thing to battle through 2009 with a sudden decline in revenues, but if there is no rebound, ownership will start to clamp down, which could create payroll problems for front offices that are overloaded with long-term guarantees.

That's why the length and size of free-agent offers this offseason are shrinking.

That's why after having their two-year, $45 million offer to Manny Ramirez laughed at a month ago, Dodger general manager Ned Colletti said he was contacted during this week's meetings and asked to revisit the negotiations. Agent Scott Boras, according to Colletti, even broached the idea of the possibility of a contract similar to one that Barry Bonds had in San Francisco that gave the Giants the right to opt out of the fifth year.

Colorado Rockies News News » Free agents feeling the pinch in uncertain times 2008-12-11
Free agents feeling the pinch in uncertain times 2008-12-11
LAS VEGAS - Understand that it is not today that major league teams are worried about. It's tomorrow. It's not what it might cost them in 2009 for a player. It's what it might cost them in 2010 and beyond. MLB Hot Stove