"It's thin, no question," said one general manager at the GMs meetings last week. "There are a few guys who can help some teams, but I don't see any Carlos Beltrans in there this year."

Beltran, the five-tool talent in center for the Mets, tested the free-agent market four years ago and wound up signing with New York following a high-profile pursuit for his services by the Mets and Astros.

Don't expect that kind of splash from this year's center-field crop.

There are a few big names, such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Milton Bradley, but all come with asterisks.

Griffey, who turns 39 next week, played 32 games in center field for the White Sox in 2008 but is generally considered a corner outfielder at this stage of his career.

Bradley, a Type B free agent who led the American League in on-base percentage and on-base plus slugging, spent most of the 2008 season at designated hitter, and though he's played all three outfield spots, most of his non-DH appearances recently have been in right field.

The rest of the class won't even cost a signing team compensation Draft picks.

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes on Thursday. In the interim, only their 2008 teams are able to extend offers to free agents, only two of which have re-upped thus far.

At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, the exclusive negotiating window for teams expires, and free agency begins in earnest. At that point, any team can sign any of the 182 players who have filed for free agency.

Head of the class

Bradley, Type B: .321, 22 HR, 77 RBIs. Last contract: one year, $5.25 million.

Comment: Bradley has played more than 450 career games in center, but just 15 since 2005. But he's only 30, he can still hit (he was third in the league in batting in 2008) and gets on base consistently (he put up a league-leading .436 on-base percentage). Contractually, he probably won't break the bank, either. He's just not considered to be an everyday center fielder anymore.

Griffey, Type B: .249, 18 HR, 71 RBIs. The 13-time All-Star drove in 18 runs in 41 games for the White Sox during their drive to the playoffs and went 2-for-10 against Tampa Bay in the AL Division Series. Last contract: nine years, $116.5 million.

Comment: He isn't the player he once was, but he is still a dangerous hitter and could possibly help a team that needs left-handed power. At this stage of his career, however, the best course might be as a designated hitter, with Seattle an obvious possibility.

On the market

Rocco Baldelli (Rays), Willie Bloomquist (Mariners), Endy Chavez (Mets), Jim Edmonds (Cubs), Mark Kotsay (Red Sox), Jay Payton (Orioles), Scott Podsednik (Rockies).

Ready to buy

The Cubs, who used Edmonds, Reed Johnson and Felix Pie at the position in 2008, are looking to add a left-handed-hitting center fielder.

The White Sox did not pick up Griffey's option and are looking to add speed at the top of their power-hitting lineup. They are looking for a center fielder who can get on base and run.

The Yankees were looking at Mike Cameron, but the veteran will stay with Milwaukee, forcing New York to consider other possibilities.

Window shopping

With Bloomquist a free agent, the Mariners may need another center fielder. The Braves and Marlins, depending on how some of their other offseason pursuits pan out, are keeping an eye on center-field targets.

2010 class

Marlon Byrd, Johnny Damon, Coco Crisp, Reed Johnson