Now two weeks old, the nascent season is starting to give a glimpse of potential deals. Part of the fun in what we do lies not only in bringing the latest news, but also in the pure speculation which drives fans bonkers. Divisional predictions, contractual debates, and statistical jibber jabber are our comfort foods, and with that we will deliver analysis of what tidings the coming months may bring. Let’s start with some of the names you might hear tossed around come July.

SAN DIEGO PADRES – Adrian Gonzalez, Heath Bell

Few factors have riveted the baseball world to San Diego’s small market struggles. But at home, the team’s two hometown stars continue to fascinate the Padres’ faithful. And while Bell might want to stay a Padre, and a Gonzalez trade might be the biggest affront to San Diegans since Ron Burgundy’s teleprompter gaffe, even the team’s well-liked closer and slugger won’t pace the team with the Rockies, Dodgers, or Giants. Already, there is a demand for relief pitching in Baltimore and Texas, to name a couple, and Gonzalez’ left-handed production at PETCO translates well to just about every ballpark around. The bottom line though, is that San Diego just can’t afford him. The Padres know it, and so does his agent.

A possible Gonzalez-to-Boston deal broke down this winter because first-year GM Jed Hoyer’s asking price was too high. In addition, the club’s $5.5 million option in 2011 may be a foregone conclusion. That said, Hoyer knows what he wants, whether from a Red Sox farm system he helped to build, or from the multitude of other teams who are bound to pay for a corner infielder or proven closer this summer. With the league-wide premium placed on these two, and the pragmatic approach of new owner Jeff Moorad, he may well get it.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS – Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli, Bobby Wilson

Mike Scioscia recently suggested that one of his catchers might be traded by GM Tony Reagins. Mathis’ underwhelming offensive are not representative of the value or utility many organizations might be interested in, but look for Napoli as an equal candidate to be moved.

DETROIT TIGERS – Miguel Cabrera

Mike Ilitch and Dave Dombrowski have slashed Detroit’s payroll over the last two seasons by parting with Marcus Thames, Placido Polanco, Curtis Granderson, Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, and Edwin Jackson. It makes sense that their biggest star would be next. After contending with alcohol-related problems in the offseason, Miguel Cabrera a) is primed for another year of elite production, b) turns 27 on Sunday c) is owed almost $130 million over the next five years. Winter rumblings of a trade lend credence to the notion that a blockbuster could happen in the next few months.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES – Kevin Millwood

Millwood is in the final year of a $60 million contract. When the Orioles fade to the fringes of the AL East, the veteran righthander might fetch a small return for the O’s core of young talent, perhaps from an NL West contender.

BOSTON RED SOX – Mike Lowell, et al.

After an abortive attempt to trade him Texas, Lowell was projected to play in Boston (or elsewhere) as a serviceable first baseman or designated hitter. With his statements of retirement at season’s end, the likelihood of his trade becomes just about nil. For my money, that’s just as well. Lowell’s still got something left in the tank, and he could play a big role for the Sox coming down the stretch.

Lowell aside, Theo Epstein has a record of addressing organizational issues with creative midseason solutions. With some of the more enticing opportunities around the league, and a minor league system full of commodities, keep your ear in tune with the Boston rumor mill. With Casey Kelly and the injured Ryan Westmoreland off limits, consider Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Junichi Tazawa, Adrian Beltre, and Josh Reddick all as potential pieces to complete one of these signature deals.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS – Shaun Marcum, Jason Frasor, Scott Downs

Marcum is the veteran of a young staff and is signed for a mere $850,000. Downs and Frasor have each logged service time in baseball’s toughest division, and each have closer’s experience. Ken Rosenthal elaborates on the trade value of all three.

TAMPA BAY RAYS – Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford

Tampa’s two big free agents-to-be have been at the foundation of the team’s recent success. The organization lacks an heir apparent to the first baseman, making the prospect of his exit less likely than that of Carl Crawford, who figures to be replaced by the speedy Desmond Jennings.

Yet, it may not be enough to take Crawford’s Tampa departure to free agency as imminent. With the admission that the Rays can contend for the AL East title, if the standings begin to reflect otherwise, Andrew Friedman could deal the league’s top-rated defensive outfielder to another contender. Both unnamed and publicized sources indicate New York (AL) as Crawford’s likeliest new digs in 2011.