As sure as leaves fall in October, there are always rumors of left fielder Manny Ramirez's departure from the Boston Red Sox.

Teams that are striking out in their efforts to sign either Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Lee, both regarded as the premier offensive players available on the free-agent market this year, are, according to The Boston Globe, inquiring about Ramirez.

Ramirez has perpetually been on the trade market almost from the minute that he arrived in Boston prior to the 2001 season. He still has two years and $38 million -- plus two option years -- remaining on his contract, but there is speculation this winter that, with the market being what it is, dealing Ramirez may finally be realistic.

"We asked about him, and I know other teams have asked about him," an unidentified National League general manager told the Globe. "He's a great hitter, and I think everyone knows the risk involved with his attitude and behavior. But we also know what he does when he plays. You can't find a better hitter in the game."

Manny the hitter has produced a .314 career batting average, 470 home runs and 1,516 RBIs in 1,817 Major League games. But his defense is erratic and so is his behavior.

This might finally be the year that the Red Sox pull the trigger on a Ramirez trade proposal.

Besides paying $51.1 million for the exclusive negotiating rights to Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, it might cost the Red Sox at least $10 million a year to sign him. Also, the Sox are among several teams interested in signing shortstop Julio Lugo and free-agent outfielder J.D. Drew, and if that happens, it would make Ramirez even more expendable.

However, as a 10-5 player -- 10 years of big-league experience and the last five with the same team -- Ramirez has veto power on any proposed trade.

Meanwhile, there was another little nugget that appeared in the Globe on Friday concerning free-agent pitcher Roger Clemens, who started his Hall of Fame career with the Red Sox 20 years ago.

The newspaper suggested that if the Sox could convince Clemens to waive his family clause -- which allows him to be home in Houston between starts -- and return to Boston as its closer, it would possibly solve the team's biggest need.

Elsewhere on the Hot Stove front for Friday:

Yankees: Industry sources tell the New York Post that the Yankees have Shea Hillenbrand high on their list, because he bats right-handed and plays first base. The Yankees already have a lineup stocked with left-handed batters: Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Robinson Cano and Jason Giambi. The Post also reported that the organization has interest in re-signing reliever Octavio Dotel and signing Danys Baez off the free-agent market. However, Baez wants to close and the Yanks already have that position filled.

Rangers: A deal does not appear imminent, but the Rangers are pushing hard to re-sign pitcher Vicente Padilla. His agent told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the Rangers have been the most aggressive organization pursuing the right-hander. Texas also has been among the teams that have inquired about the Chicago White Sox surplus of starting pitchers.

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Dodgers: The departure of Drew has increased the Dodgers' interest in re-signing first baseman Nomar Garciaparra, according to the Los Angeles Times, and a two-year contract offer reportedly is on the table. The deal would be for a higher base salary than last year, when he received a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $6 million. He earned $2.5 million more in incentives.

Phillies: A 20-minute meeting on Thursday between the Phillies and Soriano's representatives discussed contract parameters. Philadelphia is one of the suitors for the market's premier offensive free agent, along with the Angels, Cubs and Astros, who have also made offers to Soriano and Lee. The East Valley (Ariz.) Tribune reported that the Diamondbacks are ready to make a substantial offer to left-hander Randy Wolf, who is also being courted by the Yankees, Mets and Blue Jays. The Phillies are still hopeful of re-signing the southpaw to fill out their starting rotation. The fallback plan includes Adam Eaton and Miguel Batista.

Pirates: General manager Dave Littlefield told MLB.com that the Pirates are more likely to fill their primary needs for a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder and veteran right-handed starting pitcher via a trade rather than through free agency. The Palm Beach Post reported that the Pirates want to keep outfielder Chris Duffy. There have been several published reports that Duffy was a potential candidate to fill the Marlins' center-field void.

White Sox: There have been rumblings that the White Sox or Reds could be close to landing shortstop Alex Gonzalez with a three-year deal worth about $5 million a season. The White Sox are no longer very high on incumbent shortstop Juan Uribe. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Angels may have made a pitch for Freddy Garcia, possibly offering 24-year-old Ervin Santana.

Braves: The Braves are expected to make an offer to Tom Glavine soon after the Mets decline a $14 million option on the left-hander. Glavine told the New York Post that he doesn't have a preference between the two NL East rivals.

Indians: The Tribe has had talks with Baez and Joe Borowski about becoming their closer, according to the Plain Dealer. General manager Mark Shapiro has reportedly had talks with agent Scott Boras about his left-handed relief clients, Ron Villone and Scott Schoeneweis. The Chicago Daily Herald reported that the Cubs are interested in Indians starter Jake Westbrook. There is speculation that Cleveland might trade a starting pitcher to bolster its bullpen.

Astros: Andy Pettitte told reporters at a golf tournament that he thought he would have made a decision by now regarding his status for 2007. He also said that he feels badly about his indecision, and that he almost wishes that he wasn't a free agent because of the heavy burden on making a decision.

Padres: Manager Bud Black told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he would welcome former Giants teammate Barry Bonds to the Padres, but hasn't spoken with management about that possibility.

Royals: Free-agent catcher Gregg Zaun is being mentioned as a possible backup to John Buck.