In theory, the Cubs' GM should be secure — his team owns the best record in the National League and could win its first World Series since 1908.

The Dodgers' Casey Blake and White Sox's Joe Crede are the only quality free agents. Blake will be coming off a fine year, but he's 35. Crede, 30, has spent significant time on the disabled list in each of the past two seasons.

The trade options at the position could include the Rockies' Garrett Atkins, who will be two years away from free agency, plus the Mariners' Adrian Beltre and Orioles' Melvin Mora, both of whom will be entering the final years of their contracts. Beltre has limited no-trade protection, Mora a full no-trade clause.

The Rangers' Hank Blalock is another possibility; the team could exercise his $6.2 million option for '09 with the intention of trading him. Blalock has played first base since returning from a shoulder injury, but is committed to an offseason throwing program with the goal of returning to third next season. He does not turn 28 until Nov. 21, and the Rangers could not ask for much more than a mid-level prospect or two in return.

All go to your rooms!

Some suggestions for each of the parties involved in the Pedro Alvarez mess:

For Alvarez's agent, Scott Boras: Stop adhering to the letter of the law and worrying about signing unenforceable contracts. Get Alvarez his life-changing $6 million, prove that you're not throwing a hissy fit over Buster Posey getting $200,000 more and pick a fight with Pirates club president Frank Coonelly on your own time.

For Coonelly: Stop playing with fire when confronted with deadlines and never, ever draft another Boras client. The two of you have proven, once and for all, that you can't play in the same sandbox.

For arbitrator Shyam Das: Uphold the Alvarez deal and the Royals' deal for Eric Hosmer, both of which were allegedly completed minutes after the Aug. 15 deadline. Neither was a major-league deal, and the players' union has no jurisdiction over minor-league contracts.

Finally, for Major League Baseball: Start enforcing — seriously enforcing — trade deadlines, signing deadlines and all other deadlines. The union has no choice but to file grievances when it believes the collective-bargaining agreement is being violated.

Around the horn

The Red Sox are planning a major push for Blue Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett, according to a rival executive. Burnett, 31, is almost certain to opt out of his contract and become a free agent at the end of the season. Since joining the Jays in 2006, he is 4-0 with a 2.70 ERA in six starts against the Red Sox. Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner already has revealed his team's interest in both Burnett and CC Sabathia . . .

Rangers catcher Gerald Laird remains a strong candidate to be traded this winter. The Rangers, forever trying to improve their pitching, are enamored with Taylor Teagarden's receiving and game-calling. Teagarden, a right-handed hitter, intially could platoon with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, a switch-hitter who is better from the left side. Max Ramirez, another catching prospect, could end up as a designated hitter and first baseman next season if the Rangers lose outfielder Milton Bradley as a free agent . . .

The ability of Marlins Class AA infielder Chris Coghlan to play both second and third base increases the Marlins' offseason options. Coghlan could take over at second if the Marlins trade Dan Uggla. Or, he could play third, enabling the Marlins to re-sign Jorge Cantu to play first and trade first baseman Mike Jacobs, who could fit nicely with an American League club. Marlins Class AA first baseman Gaby Sanchez was MVP of the Southern League. Class A first baseman Logan Morrison was MVP of the Florida State League.