Winslow Townson / AP

Manny Ramirez is owed $19 million in 2006, $18 million in 2007 and $20 million in 2008, the final three guaranteed seasons of the $160 million, eight-year deal he agreed to with Boston before the 2001 season.

“Everybody needs pitching. There’s not a lot of pitchers out there,” Gillick said. “So supply and demand.”

Because of the relative lack of depth in the free-agent market, many teams are exploring trades first.

“People are being very aggressive and getting right to the point as to what they are willing to do and what they’re not willing to do,” Williams said.

While the Yankees are seeking a center fielder and setup men, their immediate goal is to re-sign left fielder Hideki Matsui, whose contract says he must be put on unconditional release waivers if he doesn’t agree to a new deal by Tuesday.

“We’ve got to the 15th to try to get something done,” Cashman said. “In the meantime, I’m gathering all the information about what the available players on the trade market and the free-agent market are. We’ll prioritize those. In the event on Nov. 16 we don’t have Hideki Matsui, it will be another avenue to pursue.”

Mets general manager Omar Minaya said he planned to be aggressive and probably would start making offers to free agents Friday. He said it is likely New York won’t trade Mike Cameron.

“If I had to guess right now, I see him as my right fielder,” he said.

More news

Tony Gutierrez / AP

More heroics from Hamilton

Josh Hamilton fights off illness to hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels win as Pujols HR streak up to 3 games

SEATTLE (AP) - Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.

Headlines

• Label

Saltalamacchia's walkoff HR lifts Red Sox

Red Sox's Valentine calls out Rays' coaches

Teixeira hits 2 HRs as Yankees rout A's

HBT: Santana pitches first shutout in 2 years

Harper homers as Strasburg, Nats beat Braves

Buehrle, Marlins stay hot, beat Giants

Fielder's 4-hit game lifts Tigers over Twins

Fear of losing Montero leads D-backs to big deal