Hot stove is already boiling

Before we can figure out where Alex Rodriguez is headed, and get used to seeing Joe Torre in Dodger blue, the general managers are keeping everybody on their toes this week. Among their dealings:

• Brad Lidge was the centerpiece of a five-player trade on Wednesday, going from Houston to Philadelphia and becoming the Phillies' closer, which paves the way for Brett Myers to move back into the starting rotation. If Lidge returns to the form he displayed in 2005, when he had 42 saves, this could be a very good deal for the Phillies. Houston acquired some good prospects, too: outfielder Michael Bourn, reliever Geoff Geary and minor-league third baseman Mike Costanzo, a decent power prospect.
• Preparing for life without A-Rod, speculation persists that the Yankees are trying to get the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera, which would not be much of a step down from Rodriguez offensively. But the Marlins would certainly want one of the Yankees' prized young pitchers, and they're not available.
• Will the Twins deal Johan Santana if they can't sign him? If it's rebuilding time in Minnesota, the best left-hander in baseball could be changing addresses.

This could be a very active postseason. According to an Associated Press report, each GM stood up at the meetings on Wednesday and stated their offseason goals. Many mentioned specific players they were making available, according to the report. The idea was suggested by the Red Sox's Theo Epstein and the Marlins' Larry Beinfest, and could get the ball rolling toward many discussions.

"Usually it takes a while to be able to reach all 29 other teams and hear what they're trying to do. This increased our efficiency tremendously. It saves us all a lot of time," Epstein said. "Some teams were specific. Some were more guarded."

Photo: Brad Lidge pitches on April 2, 2007 for the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Lidge was traded to Philadelphia. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)