As the annual Hot Stove League gets underway, I have found myself thinking about the needs of various teams around the Major Leagues and what they might do to improve their chances when the 2007 campaign gets underway in April. With several big name free agents available and the possibilities of blockbuster trades, this off-season should prove interesting. What can teams that found themselves close but not quite there do in the Hot Stove League to bolster their rosters for a championship run in 2007? Let’s start with Atlanta, as many folks in these parts live and die with the Braves. Last season the Braves missed the post-season for the first time since 1991. Most folks pinned the Atlanta demise on inconsistent pitching and a falloff by some of the Braves’ heralded young players. While these factors were major contributors to Atlanta’s lackluster performance in 2006, I think the real blame lies in a place many fans have overlooked.

When the Braves lost Rafael Furcal to free agency after the 2005 season, they lost more than an outstanding shortstop. Atlanta also lost a great leadoff hitter. Edgar Renteria was solid as Furcal’s replacement. However, no player really stepped up to fill the void left by Furcal’s departure at the top of the order. As I see it, Atlanta’s Hot Stove League priority will be to find a quality leadoff hitter. Problem is, there just aren’t that many high-quality spark plugs out there.

Further, the Braves are actively shopping Andruw Jones. Jones has been a mainstay in Atlanta for 11 years and is unquestionably the best centerfielder in baseball. If the Braves do trade Jones, they had better get a frontline pitcher and a proven leadoff batter in return. It should be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Staying in the National League, the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals also have to be very active in the off-season market. Post-season heroes Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver are both free agents and, if the Cards don’t re-sign them, there will be major problems in the St. Louis starting rotation. St. Louis also faces a big decision regarding centerfielder Jim Edmonds. Edmonds in getting quite long in tooth and has suffered a number of injuries in the past two seasons. Edmonds’ contract calls for a $13 million option in 2007 and most pundits doubt that the Cardinals will be willing to pony up that kind of cash to keep him in Busch Stadium. If the Cards let Edmonds fly, the question remains: Who will play centerfield?

Did I hear someone say Andruw Jones? Take a few minutes to ponder that possibility.

The Dodgers also figure to be active in the free agent market over the winter. Los Angeles finished second in the National League West, but made the playoffs as a wild card. The Dodgers finished last in homeruns in 2006, and second to last in stolen bases. So power and speed figure to be at the top of the Dodger’s off-season shopping list. The best fit for Los Angeles would be Alfonso Soriano, who provides both pop with the bat and speed on the bases. Soriano’s price tag will be high, but the Dodgers are one of the few teams that could afford him.

Over in the American League, all eyes as usual are on the Yankees and the Red Sox.

New York recently made their first move, trading Gary Sheffield to the Tigers for a trio of young pitchers. If the Yankees are to make it to the Big Show in 2007, they are going to need pitching, pitching, and more pitching. I figure New York will eventually sign one or both of the top pitchers available as free agents. Look for Barry Zito or Jason Schmidt to end up in pinstripes before April.

Also, don’t dismiss the possibility of the Yankees signing Roger Clemens if the Rocket decides to come back for another year at the age of 44.

Up in Bean Town, the Red Sox are coming off their worst season in years. Boston was in first place up until August, then lost five games at Fenway against the hated Yankees. From that point on, Boston went in the tank.

Boston needs to fill holes at shortstop, second base and right field. Further, if young stud closer Jonathan Papelbon moves into the starting rotation, the Sox will need a closer. Boston is also in the market for a power-hitting centerfielder.

Imagine if you will, Andruw Jones playing in Fenway with that friendly Green Monster in left field. Sixty homers would be a distinct possibility.

Boston also faces its annual uncertainty with Manny Ramirez. The quirky outfielder has once again let it be known that he wants to be traded. Problem is, no one wants to take on that big contract.

How’s this for a deal? The Red Sox send Ramirez to the Yankees for Alex Rodriguez. That would give the Bronx Bombers another big bat (the last thing they need), would provide the Red Sox with a huge bat and great shortstop, and best of all, it would get A-Rod out of the Big Apple.

Yes, fans, this promises to be an interesting four months. Stay tuned.