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With baseball's hot stove season in its early stages, executives give their thoughts on notable questions that will play out in the weeks ahead.

In a time of need for their respective teams, several lesser-known players have stepped in and performed at a high level this season.

Which teams did the best job of upgrading at the July and August trade deadlines? And which clubs failed miserably?

Teams that have the ability to hit quality pitching usually thrive in the postseason. That said, which lineups among serious playoff contenders are the best?

Before radar guns were in vogue and closers became a pampered and well-compensated breed, Goose Gossage was both a workhorse and a star.

Lou Piniella would prefer to be the one asking the questions. That wasn't possible Monday, not with five major league teams in need of managers.

Jerry Crasnick runs down the best-case and worst-case scenarios for each of the 30 teams heading into the 2006 season.

Advance scouting helps teams keep track of opponents and gain competitive intelligence.

Story | Conversation | September 23, 2005

While some outfielders have already been dealt, there are others still on the market.

Story | Conversation | July 19, 2005

How significant is the Latino influence in baseball? It's deeper and more profound than ever, writes Jerry Crasnick.

Story | Conversation | July 12, 2005

Insider surveyed 15 major leaguers on the state of player-fan relations, and several seemed legitimately concerned about the way things are headed.

Story | Conversation | May 27, 2005

The 2005-06 free-agent crop looks like a downer – short on starting pitching and long on aging icons.

Story | Conversation | February 01, 2005

With spring training approaching, several big-league clubs still have prominent holes to fill.

Story | Conversation | January 18, 2005

Will San Diego's approach alienate fans? Can the Phillies contend in the NL East? Answers to these, and plenty more.

Story | Conversation | January 14, 2005

When there are salaries to be dumped and superstars to be accommodated, it's time to talk trade.

Story | Conversation | November 17, 2004

The GM meetings laid the foundation for an active Hot Stove experience at the winter meetings in December.

Story | Conversation | November 11, 2004