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October/November -- Free agent filing period, first 15 days after World Series ends.

Nov. 3-6 -- General managers' meetings, Dana Point, Calif.

Dec. 1 -- Last day for teams to offer salary arbitration to their former players who became free agents.

Dec. 7 -- Last day for free agents offered salary arbitration to accept the offers.

Dec. 8-11 -- Winter meetings, Las Vegas.

Dec. 8 -- Hall of Fame Veterans Committee vote announced, Las Vegas.

Dec. 12 -- Last day for teams to offer 2009 contracts to unsigned players.

2009

Jan 5-15 -- Salary arbitration filing.

Jan. 19 or 20 -- Exchange of salary arbitration figures.

Feb. 1-21 -- Salary arbitration hearings, Phoenix.

Feb. 20 -- Voluntary reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players.

Feb. 25 -- Voluntary reporting date for other players.

March 5 -- Mandatory reporting date.

March 2-11 -- Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players.

March 18- Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days.

April 1 -- Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2008 salary.

April 5 -- Opening day, active rosters reduced to 25 players.

July 14 -- All-Star game, St. Louis.

July 26- Hall of Fame inductions, Cooperstown, N.Y.

July 31 -- Last day to trade a player without securing waivers.

Aug. 15 -- Last day to sign selections from 2009 amateur draft who have not exhausted college eligibility.

Sept. 1 -- Active rosters expand to 40 players.

Dec. 7-10 -- Winter meetings, Indianapolis.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

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