Friday Hot Stove

We need to crank up the heat on the stove a little. It's not December yet, and we're already freezing our butts off. One guy who better get used to colder weather is Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 19-yr old, rated as the top teen talent in Cuba, has signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox for a reported $11 million over four years.

Viciedo could have company in the US soon...players (pitcher) Yadel Marti and (outfielder) Yasser Gomez have been kicked off the Havana Industriales, the top team in Cuba, for what has been described as committing a "grave act".

Here's the latest from SI's Jon Heyman:

Trying to avoid a big free agent deal for K-Rod and apparently not enthused by Brian Fuentes, the Mets are exploring a deal for a closer. Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz, and Huston Street have been mentioned. But most teams are looking at the Mets top prospects, including Fernando Martinez, whom the Mets refused to deal for Johan Santana.

The Yankees are looking into signing Derek Lowe, but are getting big competition from Lowe's former employers in Boston.

The Red Sox and Tigers have discussed a Julio Lugo for Dontrelle Willis deal.

Predictions are that the Angels will make a BIG offer to keep Mark Teixeira- somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 years and $160 million.

The Royals are looking to deal oft-troubled right fielder Jose Guillen.

The Indians are showing interest in free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Both Asdrubel Cabrera and Josh Barfield flopped there last year. Other sources indicate the Giants have high interest in Hudson.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have reportedly made a 5-year offer to retain the services of A.J. Burnett.

The Boston Herald says that big money is not scaring off the Red Sox from offering Teixeira a huge deal, one that would pay him for than Manny Ramirez received when he signed in Beantown.

You don't hear this often, according to the NY Post, Mets second baseman Luis Castillo has asked the team NOT to trade him.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are interested in infielder Cesar Izturis.

The Cardinals have signed free agent lefty reliever Trever Miller to a 2-year deal. That per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Casey Blake may find a new home in Minnesota according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The third baseman, who was dealt from the Indians to the Dodgers at this past season's trade deadline, has had extensive talks with the Twins front office.

Rafael Furcal reportedly won't settle for less than a four year deal. Keep dreamin' Raffy.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 6/11

It appears Phil Hughes won't be back before August. The rookie right-hander is scheduled to undergo another scan to determine if his rib injured has sufficiently healed.

Kyle Farnsworth, who sat out the previous 3 games with a bicep strain, was available last night, but Joe Girardi opted to go to Jose Veras instead.

The New York Times has a story on Jason Giambi's return to the Bay area. Giambi was asked if he would like to possibly end his career where it started.

“They’ve got great young players over here,” he said of the A’s. “I don’t know what would go with the situation. I love playing in New York, and I still have a World Series to win.”

Giambi has a $22 million option for next year, which the Yankees would, unless they're crazy, turn down. He also has a $5 million buy out.

Tino Martinez isn't shy about telling Joba Chamberlain's teammates to shut up, particularly when it comes to how the prized rookie should be used.

"You shouldn't complain," Martinez told the Daily News Tuesday when asked about Damon last week questioning the team's decision to move Chamberlain to the starting rotation.

"They think that's the best way for the team to win, (so) that's what the players have to accept. That's just the way it is. (Chamberlain) is obviously in a transition period now, but I'm sure once he gets his pitch count up there and he gets comfortable starting, he is going to be a very good starting pitcher."

The BamTino was in Manhattan and Long Island yesterday signing copies of a "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective." Tino also spoke to the Daily News about his role as an assistant to GM Brian Cashman.

The New York Post reports that the Yankees are one of the teams interested in 18-yr old Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 3rd Baseman began playing in the professional leagues when he was 15. He's expected to set up residency in the Dominican Republic before his agent Jaime Torres shows him off to prospective teams.

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