Ordinarily by this point on the baseball calendar, most quality free agents are signed, sealed and delivered. The business of the offseason is mostly complete.

But this isn't just any offseason. Budgets are tight, signings are slow and even some top-tier free agents have yet to decide where they'll be playing next season and beyond.

	Fred McGriff, 39, is 22 home runs shy of 500 for his career.

Thursday's arbitration deadline took one of the remaining big names off the board (Greg Maddux), but once they're settled, there will still be a list of quality players on the market.

Here's a look at where some of them might land -- but likely not before Christmas. Just when some of the big names sign, another crop of free agents -- those not tendered contracts by midnight Friday -- will join them, further flooding the market.

Jose Hernandez
Baltimore had some interst before deciding to go with Deivi Cruz at shortstop. His strikeout totals won't help his cause, but he may be able to market himself as a third baseman, where there's more need. The Mets are a longshot there, needing to replace Edgardo Alfonzo.

Reggie Sanders
A return to Arizona, where he played in 2001, can't be ruled out, though Sanders would have to take a pay slice. Milwaukee could use an upgrade in the outfield, but Sanders is probably out of their price range. Baltimore is looking for outfield help. If the Mets could unload Jeromy Burnitz, they might be interested.

Ugueth Urbina
It would seem there would be a market for a 40-save closer, but one has yet to develop. The Red Sox showed only marginal interest and didn't offer arbitration. As more and more teams discount the value of a having a single closer, Urbina could see his 2002 salary of $6.7 million cut in half.

Kenny Rogers
The Astros dabbled with the lefty before dropping out. The Dodgers, needing a lefty, could still bid if they could find a taker for Andy Ashby. Texas tried to keep him with a two-year deal worth $11 million, only to have Rogers decline, a move he may soon come to regret.

Chuck Finley
For a time last week, it seemed Finley was heading back to St. Louis, but that fell apart. The Phillies, having missed out on both Tom Glavine and Jamie Moyer, are still in the market for a veteran lefty and Finley fits that bill. Finley would like to go back to the West Coast, and if the Angels could move Kevin Appier, a return to the Angels wouldn't be out of the question.

Kenny Lofton
An agent told a NL club last week that there were two teams interested in the outfielder, but that may have been wishful thinking. Lofton overpriced himself with the Giants. Texas, needing someone more capable in center field than Carl Everett, is a possibility.

Fred McGriff
A second stay in Atlanta may be in the offing, though the Braves, after dealing off Wes Helms to Milwaukee, will have other first basemen (Travis Lee, Brian Daubach, Brad Fullmer) to choose from once the non-tenders become known.

Bill Mueller
The Mets have had some contact, though they have other options at third, including a possible trade for Kansas City's Joe Randa. Cleveland and Colorado could also be in play.

Ramiro Mendoza
The market's been strong for bullpen setup men (Mike Stanton, Mike Remlinger, Chris Hammond), but it helps to be left-handed. The Red Sox, building a bullpen-by-committee, are interested and like Mendoza's versatility, but they -- and others -- have some concerns about his injury history over the last two years.

Tom Gordon
Arm issues preclude him from closing again, but once the market settles, should find work as a set-up man. The Red Sox are one of several teams to indicate their interest, though Mike Timlin's signing Wednesday may curtail that somewhat.

Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.