Carlos

Delgado

Manager Carlos Tosca said his only concern is that he might have to give Delgado a day off every three to four games for a while.

Delgado, who has had a very disappointing seaon, hit .381 (8-for-21) with three homers and six RBI over the past seven days.

He will be a free agent tomorrow, and although he will not receive contract offers in the $18 million per season range (his current salary), he should get offers beyond $8 million per season, which would make him too expensive for Toronto.

Team president and CEO Paul Godfrey expects negotiations to begin soon. The Jays probably won’t go much beyond $9 million-$10 million per season in a three- or four-year contract, so they won’t be the high bidder.

“Baltimore, we are most significantly interested in,” said agent David Sloane. “It’s a great place to hit. Hitting in that batting order is very interesting to us.” The Orioles are expected to make one of the top bids for Delgado. The Mets also figure to be in the running.

Baltimore and Seattle should be among Delgado’s top suitors. The Mets and perhaps the Angels could also be involved, and the Blue Jays will make some kind of a proposal to keep him.

“We met with the Rangers and had a great meeting,” Sloane said. "[Rangers GM] John Hart ... they don’t come any better. We love the Rangers, they love us. But apparently Carlos is not in their budget.” Delgado is looking for $64 million over four years. He’ll probably get $50 million or so.

Delgado is going to have to get at least the $50 million that Richie Sexson received. It won’t be worth offering him less.

The Mets reportedly offered Delgado a three-year deal before Pedro was signed. It’s expected to take at least $50 million over four years to get a deal done. The Mariners and Orioles remain very interested, and the Red Sox and Yankees can’t be completely counted out.

Several top free agents won’t be signed until mid-December because the signing teams won’t want to give up draft picks. Players like Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre and Jason Varitek are likely to be offered arbitration, but Delgado, Richie Sexson, Magglio Ordonez and Troy Glaus are among those who could come without compensation.