by Sports Xchange

BIGGEST NEEDS: Once RHP Tim Hudson's new deal is finalized, the Braves will be able to make a better determination on the 2010 budget. How much money is available counts even more this offseason, since the Braves' closer tandem of Gonzalez and Soriano are both free agents. The composition of next season's outfield is in flux, and first base may be an open position; late-season addition Adam LaRoche is also a free agent.

ARRIVAL: RHP Scott Proctor (minor league free agent from Marlins).

DEPARTURE: RHP Buddy Carlyle (released, signed with Japanese team).

FREE AGENTS: LF Garret Anderson, LHP Mike Gonzalez, 1B Adam LaRoche, INF/OF Greg Norton, RHP Rafael Soriano, RHP Jorge Campillo (released), RHP Vladimir Nunez (released).

Every other move the Braves make in the offseason depends on whether they re-sign Gonzalez, Soriano or both. LaRoche will not be offered a long-term contract. Neither Anderson nor Norton figures to be back.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: OF Ryan Church, OF Matt Diaz, INF Kelly Johnson, LHP Boone Logan, RHP Peter Moylan.

Moylan pitched in more a team-record 87 games, and he was the team's most effective reliever overall; the Braves won't mind paying for that. Diaz led the majors in August with a .404 average, 1.148 on-base-plus-slugging percentage and a .467 on-base percentage (minimum 50 at-bats). Church, Johnson and Logan are not likely to command high arbitration awards if they even get that far in the process.

IN LIMBO: RHP Kenshin Kawakami had a disappointing season, but he had a lot to become accustomed to, including the different heft and covering of the ball, the strike zone, the hitters and the five-man rotation, not to mention food and language. But with the Braves retaining RHP Tim Hudson, he may be the odd man out.

MEDICAL WATCH:

CF Jordan Schafer (left wrist surgery in September 2009) will be in a cast until Christmas. Schafer, who showed so much promise in spring training that he skipped Class AAA and went straight to the Braves, making the opening-day roster, struggled at the plate and wound up in the minors after all. He played in 50 games with the Braves before being sent down.