The window for exclusive negotiating rights between free agents and their 2008 clubs has closed. Beginning Friday, those free agents can sign with any club. The Astros won't join the high-roller sweepstakes for big names, but they will be active in looking for pitching and a catcher this offseason.

Houston could lose four of its players -- pitchers Randy Wolf and Doug Brocail, infielder Mark Loretta and catcher Brad Ausmus -- to other teams. The only other player to file for free agency, reliever LaTroy Hawkins, has been re-signed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with incentives.

Wolf holds an offer from the Astros but will test the market before determining his destination. The left-hander's priority is finding a playoff contender, since he has never pitched in the postseason in 10 years as a big leaguer. Wolf, 32, went 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA in 12 starts after being acquired from San Diego in July.

Even if the club keeps Wolf, another starter could be brought in for depth behind Roy Oswalt. Ben Sheets and familiar face Mike Hampton are possibilities, but they carry injury baggage. Andy Pettitte has said he does not want to return to Houston, but if the Yankees don't bring him back, the Astros could re-emerge.

With Ausmus on the way out, catcher becomes even more of a need position. Incumbents Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles combined to hit .185 last season. Wade has said he would like somebody who can at least split starts with Quintero in 2009. Top free agents Jason Varitek and Ivan Rodriguez may prove too costly, so the club may seek a backstop in a trade.

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Look no further than Arlington for a potential partner. The Rangers have a bevy of young catching talent, including Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez.

Houston declined Brocail's $3.2 million option for 2009 but made a new offer for lesser money. Wade said the club and Brocail have had negotiations for a while, and Brocail has indicated a desire to return. If he is to leave, the Red Sox are among multiple teams also interested in the 41-year-old right-hander, who compiled a 3.93 ERA in a career-high 72 appearances in 2008.

Loretta, who hit .280 as a reserve infielder and pinch-hitter last season, has received interest from the Diamondbacks, while the Astros have focused more on Wolf and Brocail. Arizona could lure Loretta with a full-time second-base gig since Orlando Hudson is likely to sign elsewhere.

Houston may promote from within to replace Loretta, letting David Newhan back up Kazuo Matsui and Miguel Tejada.