Yankees Going out for Some Tex-Mex?

SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that Scott Boras is now in talks with the Yankees and Angels for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. This comes after Red Sox owner John Henry said Boras' contract demands (notice we didn't say Teixeira's demands) were too high - believed to be $184 for 8 years.

The Angels were previously thought to bid $165, but are probably willing to up the ante. The Yankees, meanwhile, were thought to be debating whether to go after Teixeira or Manny Ramirez. (You know where we stand on that topic).

The Yankees may be waiting for the final numbers to fall into place before coming in with a big bid like they did with Johnny Damon prior to the 2006 season. Just keep Mike Cameron out of My Pinstripes.

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Sox: We're not Competing on Tex

Whether he's to be believed or not, Red Sox CEO John Henry said that if it comes down to money, his team will not be able to compete for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. After meeting with Teixeira and his agent Scott Boras last night, Henry said, "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

Of course you can't believe everything you hear/say, especially from a team owner. The Angels, Nationals, and Orioles are all ready to pony up big money, so don't feel too bad for Tex if the Sox don't come through.

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Vegas Update - Day 1 - 1:15 EST

Jon Heyman of SI believes the Brewers are willing to offer CC Sabathia a 6-year, $120 million contract that offers an opt out option after 2 years.

Dave Lennon of Newsday says that Mets GM Omar Minaya has meetings set up for today with free agent closers Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman. The Mets are believed to have already made an offer to K-Rod. Dan Graziano of the Ledger also reported that the Mets spoke to the Blue Jays about B.J. Ryan.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the Astros are willing to listen to offers for shortstop Miguel Tejada. The Twins, Dodgers, Angels, and Giants would be interested. K-Ros also reports that Yankees and Dodgers are talking Robinson Cano-Matt Kemp as they have in the past. We're against dealing Cano right now.

The St. Pete Times says the two Florida teams may be working a deal. The Rays would send Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson and Jason Bartlett to the Marlins for Jeremy Hermida.

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It's the Day Before TGIF Hot Stove

As we move closer to next week's winter meetings, things are starting to move a little bit. Here's a quick run down.

The Braves and White Sox have officially announced the Javier Vazquez deal. As expected, the White Sox will receiving shortstop Brent Lillibridge, but Jo-Jo Reyes is not included as was originally speculated. Chicago instead will get prospects- third baseman Jon Gilmore, catcher Tyler Flowers, and left-handed pitcher Santos Rodriguez. In addition to Vazquez, Atlanta picks up reliever Boone Logan.


The Shortstops are on the Move

The Padres sent Khalil Greene to the Cardinals yesterday in exchange for two minor league pitchers who have yet to be named.

Dan Graziano reports that the Tigers have acquired shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pirates. No word yet on who is going to Pittbsurgh. Both the Tigers and Wilson's agent have denied there's a deal in place.

The Giants have NOW agreed to a 2-year deal with Edgar Renteria. It comes about a month after it was originally reported and then denied.


Screw Tradition

The Red Sox are expected to hold a news conference today to announce the signing of Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a 3-year, $4 million deal. That according to the Boston Herald.


Burnett the Candle at Both Ends

Braves GM Frank Wren has confirmed that Atlanta has made a contract offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. Rumors have it that it's a 5-year deal, but the Atlanta Constitution speculates it's a 4-year, $60 million offer.


Rumors

The Associated Press reported that the Giants and Marlins are talking a Jonathan Sanchez for Jorge Cantu swap. Cantu's value is high again after having a bounce back 2008 season.

Casey Blake says the Twins or Dodgers can have him if they add a guaranteed third year to any new deal.


Other Signings

The Red Sox have given newly minted AL MVP Dustin Pedroia a brand spanking new 6-year, $40.5 million contract.

The Giants have finalized a deal with reliever Bob Howry, who was most recently with the Cubs. The Giants are also said to be preparing a $100 million plus offer for CC Sabathia.

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The Winter of Our Discontent

This Hot Stove season is an even bigger one for the Yankees than last year's. The team is coming off, for them, a poor season and the team's roster is currently in disarray. Mike Mussina has retired. Andy Pettitte is whoring for more money. Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu have been cast aside. Other than an offer to CC Sabathia, trade talks for Jake Peavy, and salary arbitration decisions, this has been the slowest off-season for the Yankees (and all teams) in recent years. But that should all change next week. Oops! And the acquisition of Nick Swisher..duh.

The annual general manager's meeting is set to begin Monday, Dec. 8 in Las Vegas. That means that player agents will be able to bounce back and forth between teams in a short amount of time. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett are among the names that could walk away with new deals by the time the meetings end on the 11th.

The Yankees biggest focus right now is on their pitching. At the moment, the pitching staff consists of Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Phil Hughes is certainly not being counted on as a definite as he was last season. We won't even get into Ian Kennedy.

Sabathia is of course the grand prize. But the consensus is that he prefers to staying on the west coast and in the National League, where he thoroughly dominated after being dealt to Milwaukee at the trade deadline. Money will be no object for the Yankees when dealing with the big left-hander so it will come down to Sabathia's preference, and possible pressure from the player's union to take the most money.

Burnett is number two on the Yankees hit list, but there's a significant drop off from the the one and two spots. Burnett doesn't have the resume Sabathia has and won't make nearly as much cash. But he'll still make plenty. Burnett probably won't agree to a deal until Sabathia sets the bar. He's looking for a 5-year deal in the neighborhood of $75-$80 million. Burnett has proven he can pitch in the American League, and more importantly, in the AL East. But there are concerns about his arm and his mental toughness.

The Daily News is reporting that the Braves, who are expected to officially announce their deal for Javier Vazquez later today, are reportedly set to offer Burnett a guaranteed 5-year deal. That 5th year is something the Yankees have been reluctant to offer.

Peavy is the best signed option out there, but teams are finding that the Padres are asking for too much in return. As we previously mentioned, Peavy has already shown his distaste for playing in the Big Apple, so a deal doesn't make a lot of sense. Widespread reports say that both the Braves and Cubs have broken off talks after failing to swing a three team deal.

The Yankees can always use left-handed pitching, especially if they part ways with Pettitte. The Mets' Oliver Perez makes for an interesting case. He seems to have recaptured the ability that he had in San Diego and lost after one season in Pittsburgh, but he can still be awfully inconsistent and wild at times. He went 25-17 over the last two season for the Mets, and threw a career second best 194 innings last season. After putting up a 3.56 ERA in 2007, he saw that number rise to 4.22 in 2008. You have to wonder if his stuff would translate to the American League.

Ben Sheets has had a fine career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but the 30-yr old is perennially hurt. His 198.1 innings this past season was only the 2nd time he topped 150 innings in the last 4 years. He's coming off a 13-9, 3.09, 158 strikeout season, but had trouble with his right triceps, forearm, and elbow this past season. We would definitely stay away from him.

There could be other pitchers on the move, such as those who will become free agents after the 2009 season. Plus those who were disappointments in 2008. Erik Bedard fits both those categories.

So what do we have? The Yankees have to go all out, balls to the wall, in an effort to land Sabathia. If they don't, that doesn't mean they should blow Burnett away with money. He's had one very good season and has had arm issues (see Carl Pavano). If the Yankees do land Sabathia, they may be better off going for a secondary option that is cheaper (Perez), or dealing for someone like Bedard. That will free up more money to shore up the offense with a player like Mark Teixeira or someone of that ilk.

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Tuesday Hot Stove

Don't Do as I Say
We could use an umbrella to keep the rain off the stove. The Red Sox could use a swift kick in the ass. We don't want to hear any more garbage out of Boston about how the Yankees did this or did that. First it was complaining about how much money the Yankees spent and then the Red Sox started doling out huge deals. Now comes word the Red Sox are about to sign Japanese amateur Junichi Tazawa, violating an age old verbal agreement that the Major Leagues would not raid the Japanese amateurs.

The Yankees may have been looking into a deal as well, but publicly Brian Cashman stated it was a mistake for teams to take such an approach. The fall out from all this of course is that Japanese leagues could disrupt the US amateur draft by making huge offers to US college and high school kids.

Bing Stays Healthier
If the A's can reel in Rafael Furcal, they'll look to deal oft-injured, underachieving shortstop Bobby Crosby. The A's are said to be willing to pick up a good chunk of Crosby's $5.25 million salary.

You Can Never Have Too Many
Left-handers that is. The Cardinals are still finalizing a deal with reliever Trever Miller and have now made an offer to fellow free agent Arthur Rhodes. The Yankees will be disappointed to see him out of the AL.

Making a Pitch
The LA Times reports that the Angels have shifted focus from re-signing Mark Teixeira to addressing pitching needs. Translation - CC Sabathia.

You'll Look Great in Black and Orange
That may be one of the pitches the Orioles make towards free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett now that Baltimore is in the mix.

The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
The Mets have received the X-Rays from Francisco Rodriguez's medical records as they decide whether or not to spend big money on a closer.

Stot Unemployed
With a new manager in Seattle, pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre, still one of our favorites from those old bad Yankees teams, is out of a job. Stot worked one season on the M's staff. Perhaps something will open up with Joe Torre in LA.

UPDATE 5:00 PM
Rockies Try Not to Laugh at Mets
The Rockies have reportedly turned down a deal that would have sent Aaron Heilman to Colorado for Huston Street. Street isn't what he once was or what anyone thought he would be, but he's still a lot better than Heilman.

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Breaking News: Giants Ink Renteria

WFAN is reporting that the San Fran Giants have signed free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a 2-year, $18 million deal. Renteria spent the past season, his 13th in the bigs, with the Tigers. Hit .270-10-55, scored 69 runs, and stole just 6 bases, the lowest total of his career.

Renteria is one player who seems to play, both offensively and defensively, in the National League. It looks like he'll get that chance again.

UPDATE 9:35 PM - Earlier this evening Edgar Renteria's agent Barry Meister shot down reports that Renteria and the Giants had agreed to a deal. Meister said the two sides have talked, but are not close to any deal.

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Yankees Ready to Throw Big $$ at A.J.

The NY Post is reporting that the Yankees are preparing a 5-year, $80 million offer for free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. The right-hander opted out of his 5-year, $55 million deal with Blue Jays after three seasons.

Burnett won a career high 18 games this season, and was particularly impressive when he faced the Bombers. He's been injury prone through out his career, which began with the Florida Marlins, and has had his intestinal fortitude questioned by Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi.

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Yankees Throw $$ at CC

"I am free". Those are words are on the lips of Major League Baseball players seeking new contracts. Yesterday was the first official day of the free agent signing period. There are some HUGE names out there this year expecting huge contracts. We'll be taking a look at them over the next several days and we'll talk about what the Yankees may do.

What the Yankees have reportedly already done is make a record setting offer to free agent pitcher CC Sabathia. The money is said to top the $137.5 million the Mets gave Johan Santana after acquiring him in a trade prior to the 2008 season. The Yankees had a chance for Santana but refused to part with a package of players that included Phil Hughes. After the disappointing seasons by Hughes and Ian Kennedy, the Yankees front office was privately kicking themselves for not pulling the trigger on the Santana deal. This year, with only draft picks to lose, the Yankees are doing everything they can to bring in this year's prized left-hander.

The Yankees aren't just going after Sabathia though. Reports are they are ready to make offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. We're not huge fans of either, but they would be an improvement over last year's staff. Burnett has tremendous stuff, but has been oft injured. He opted out of his 5-year, $55 million deal with the Blue Jays and will probably seek $15 million a year.

Lowe had the reputation of being soft until he helped pitch the Red Sox to the World Series in 2004. He's been good in LA, though he received more recognition for having an affair with a female reporter. He'll be seeking the same type of money as Burnett.

Free agent signings are also affected by trades, one of which took place on Thursday. The Cubs acquired closer Kevin Gregg from the Marlins, meaning they were saying good bye to long time, oft-injured starter and closer Kerry Wood. Wood, at the price, would be an interesting addition to the Yankees bullpen.

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Results of the Manny Ramirez-Yankees Poll

We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the "Should the Yankees try to sign Manny Ramirez in the off-season?" poll. The results surprised us a bit.

53% of you said, "No way, no how, Uh uh". We didn't think the anti-Manny sentiment would be that high. Maybe we underestimated just how much his recent behavior affected the thinking of our readers.

39% of you do want him though, with the majority of that vote swinging heavily (23%) towards get it done no matter what, over only for the right priced deal (9%).

The remaining 8% of the voters were unsure whether the addition of the Man-child would be a good or bad thing.

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Real Baseball

It's here this week...at last! Players begin reporting to camps this week. We'll be taking a look at each of the teams, but in a piecemeal fashion. First up, tomorrow will be the AL East rotations and then we'll go from there.

Joe Girardi is preparing for his 1st spring training as Yankees manager (and only the 2nd of his managerial career). Girardi had the unenviable task of replacing Mike Stanley when he came here as a player and now he's replacing the man who lead the Yankees to 4 World Series championships in his first 5 years as manager.

Girardi learned some valuable lessons when he replaced Stanley, and he will use it as he replaces Joe Torre.

Mike Piazza is still looking for a team as pitchers and catchers get ready to report. The former Met has looked into Japan, and may still opt for retirement.

With Johan Santana now in a Mets uniform, Willie Randolph will be under extra pressure to - at the very least - deliver a World Series appearance.

Rich Harden has been throwing and the A's pitcher is feeling good...for now. As baseball fans, we can only hope he returns to his dominant form. The same goes for Mark Prior in San Diego.

Manny Ramirez is entering what could be his final season in Boston. The Red Sox hold $20 million annual options for 2009 and 2010, but we can't imagine the Sox wanting to pay Manny 20 mill at ages 37 and 38. Manny will probably get a new restructured contract that will pay him less over a longer period of time.

Nothing is imminent, but the Cubs are still expected to deal for the Orioles' Brian Roberts.

The Denver Post reports that the Billy Beane is asking for Andre Ethier, Andy LaRoche and a prospect from the Dodgers for Joe Blanton.

The Orioles are expecting to have Adam Loewen ready for spring training. The O's are talking to free agent Steve Trachsel about a deal.

The Royals and Rangers have joined the Yankees in showing interest in Kevin Mench. Mench was a member of the Rangers from 2002-2005.

The Reds have signed Craig Wilson to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training.

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Thursday Hot Stove

The Mets introduced Johan Santana to the media yesterday. Today they may be answering questions about Pedro Martinez's participation in cock-fighting in the Dominican Republic. Well, no, he isn't one of the fighters. But a video has popped up on Youtube of Pedro and Juan Marichal acting as "solitardes"- the person who puts the animal to fight. While cock-fighting is legal in the D.R., this is the 21st century!!!

In more baseball-related news, the Mets are said to be interested in former Yankee, Craig Wilson, and have been rebuffed by pitcher Oliver Perez in an attempt to sign him to a long-term deal. Perez, a Scott Boras client, would rather keep his arbitration eligibility and his free agency. It may be a big mistake for the very inconsistent left-hander. And with Santana now in the fold, the anticipated Hernandez bros. reunion will not occur, with the Mets taking a pass on Livan Hernandez.

Chris Carpenter is hoping to rejoin the Cardinals by mid-season, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last July. The D'Backs' Randy Johnson threw off a mound for the first time since his back surgery.

Still no update on the Erik Bedard front. The left-hander has yet to take a physical for any proposed trade.

The Red Sox re-signed Bobby Kielty to a minor league deal yesterday. It's reportedly worth $800k. Eric Hinske has left the Sox to take the same contract offer from the Rays. Also, Brendan Donnelley, recently accused of P.E.D. use, has signed with the Indians.

Nolan Ryan has been hired by the Texas Rangers as their new team president.

The Phillies are getting desperate looking for pitching, taking a look at Odalis Perez and Kris Benson.

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Monday Hot Stove

Sock it to me - The Red Sox and White Sox have made a minor swap, with the crimson hose obtaining pitcher Dave Aardsma. In return, the pale hose get right-handers Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

First the Orioles denied that the Mariners' Adam Jones was headed to Baltimore for a physical as a prelude to an Erik Bedard trade. Now, ESPN reports that Orioles owner Peter Angelos has not signed off on the deal.

Nats' new catcher Paul Lo Duca will be out of action for the next 3-6 weeks due to surgery for a minor miniscus tear. Maybe he'll find a way to blame that on the Mets too.

After 14 season behind the plate, catcher Mike Lieberthal has called it a career.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting the Tigers front office is working on a long term deal for phenom Curtis Granderson.

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White Sox Ink Dotel

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Chicago White Sox have attempted to strengthen their bridge to Bobby Jenks by signing Octavio Dotel to a 2-year deal. The 34-yr old will reportedly make $11 million.

The signing means the White Sox have invested $30 million in the pen for Dotel and Scott Linebrink.

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Monday Hot Stove

Yadier Molina agreed to terms on a brand spanking new contract with the Cardinals today. The 4-year deal also has an option of a 5th year, and would buy out his 2nd year of free agency.

The Royals have signed Brett Tomko to a 1-year, $3 million deal. Can the Royals stock up on mediocre pitchers, or what?

The Indians thought about bringing back Bartolo Colon. Then they saw him pitch in the Dominican, where he only hit 89 on the radar gun. The White Sox have reportedly backed off too, because of Colon's desire for a multi-year deal.

The Rockies have reportedly signed their rookie phenom shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki, to a 6-year, $30 million deal. There's also an option for a 7th year included.

The Reds have inked lefty Jeremy Affeldt to a 1-year, $3 million deal. Remember when Affeldt's agent called his client a premier left-hander and wanted a 3- or 4-year deal?

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Wednesday Hot Stove

The Hot Stove continues to crawl along at a snail's pace, but there were a few happenings today.

The Cubs are bringing back Jon Lieber, who pitched for the north siders from 1999-2002 and was their last 20 game winner.

The Tigers have signed left-hander Nate Robertson to a 3-year, $21.25 million extension. It's amazing how much you can make at mediocrity.

Marlins pitcher Anibel Sanchez, who tossed a no-no in 2006, won't be ready for the start of Spring Training after undergoing labrum surgery.

The A's are bringing back Kirk Saarloos, who spent the last year plus with the Reds. Saarloos, who was with the A's from 2004-6, signed a minor league deal.

Jose Valentin is going to continue playing and is going to do it as a Met. The 16-year vet signed a minor league deal and accepted an invite to Spring Training.

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Tuesday Hot Stove

The Blue Jays and Cardinals have completed their previously reported deal, swapping 3rd sackers, Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen. This will be Glaus' 2nd foray into the National League, while Rolen comes to the American League for the first time.

The Orioles are talking to Octavio Dotel about a deal that would make him either their closer or a set up man. The O's are also talking to Rod Barajas about becoming their backup catcher.

The O's and Mariners are still discussing an Erik Bedard deal. At first it was thought that a deal might be close because it was reported the M's had told prospect Adam Jones to stop playing winter ball. But Jones returned to action on Monday.

The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a 1-year, $5 million deal.

The Braves and A's completed the Mark Kotsay deal last night. The A's will receive pitchers Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond in exchange for their veteran centerfielder.

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Wednesday Hot Stove

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles and Mariners in serious talks about Erik Bedard. The M's are thought to be willing to part with top prospect Adam Jones.

K-Ros also reports that the Marlins are interested in free agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez.

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers believes that an Orioles-Cubs trade for Brian Roberts will happen, and it's just a matter of time.

The Rockies have signed Marcus Giles to a minor league deal, and the Mariners have inked former Yankee Miguel Cairo to a deal. Cairo will try to push Jose Lopez for the starting 2nd Base job.

The Braves are thought to be talking to the A's about centerfielder Mark Kotsay.

Matt Mantei is trying to make a comeback, with the Detroit Tigers showing interest.

Tony Pena and Brandon Lyon are the front-runners for the Diamondbacks' closer job.

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Weekend Hot Stove

Chicago White Sox G.M. Kenny Williams categorically denies it, but rumor has it Williams is talking to his Angels' counterpart Tony Reagins about Paul Konerko. When he was acquired the other day, Nick Swisher was told he would playing a lot of centerfield for Chicago, but if Konerko is moved, there's always the possibility Swisher could become the White Sox every day 1st Baseman.

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a 1-year, $3.85 million deal with free agent 1st Baseman Ben Broussard.

The Chicago Cubs sent minor league outfielder Angel Pagan to the Mets for a pair of minor leaguers- 22-year-old reliever Ryan Meyers and 25-year-old outfielder Corey Coles. The Cubs had picked up Pagan from the Mets prior to the 2006 season.

Brian Cashman has said he's perfectly happy with the Yankees 1st Base situation (he also said the same thing about centerfield right before he signed Johnny Damon prior to the 2006 season), with Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit, and Shelley Duncan sharing the spot. Cashman also feels that Juan Miranda, who played this past season in Double-A, could also play a factor.

How do you say "Lima time" in Korean? We may find out soon since Jose Lima is rumored to be signing with the Kia Tigers of the Korean baseball league.


photo couresy of mlb.com

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Friday Hot Stove

It's been a bit since we've taken a look at the non-Yankees hot stove, primarily because NOTHING has been going on, but here we go.

Eric Chavez is pissed and who can blame him. The A's have already dealt their best pitcher, Dan Haren, and their best slugger, Nick Swisher. When asked if he thought the A's would sign Barry Bonds, Chavez's response said it all. "If he's in uniform next year, there's a 90 percent chance it will be with the Oakland A's," Chavez said. "It will be old, broken-down guys, me, [Mark] Kotsay and Barry, and a bunch of 19-year-olds."

Chavez addressed his own future as well. "I told Billy [Beane], 'I know what you're doing, if you want to move me, do what you have to do,'" Chavez said. "It's motivation to get healthy, play well and then see what happens. To be honest, with everything that's going on, there's probably no reason for me to stay around, it doesn't add up with what's happening."

Talk about being desperate for pitching- The Royals have inked Hideo Nomo to a minor league deal. The 39-yr old right-hander has not pitched in the majors since a brief stint with the Rays in 2005. He's also recuperating from elbow surgery.

There's no question that players perform better when there's a contract on the line. Manny Ramirez is no exception. 2008 is the final guaranteed year of his contract, and Peter Gammons reports that Manny has become a workout maniac.

Desperate for pitching, part II - the Cardinals have signed Matt Clement to a 1-yr, incentive laden deal. Clement, who is still recovering from elbow surgery, is guaranteed $1.5 million.

The Rockies are close to signing former Blue Jays' pitcher Josh Towers to a 1-yr, $1.8 million deal.

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