Turn up the Hot Stove

Maybe it will melt the ice from the frozen tundra we had formed by freezing rain overnight. Don't worry with Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi off the market, there's still plenty of big names left out there.

The all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has been offered similar one year deals by both the Brewers and Dodgers. Jon Heyman believes the Brewers have made a stronger push.

Heyman was on with Mike Francesa yesterday and had some guestimates as to where some of the remaining free agents would end up.

Manny Ramirez - Dodgers reportedly made a 2 year, $45 million offer and aren't likely to increase it. Heyman still thinks another team will jump in.

Adam Dunn - Nationals; teams aren't willing to throw big money at him.

Ben Sheets - Rangers

Bobby Abreu - Still a good possibility of him going to Oakland. We think he could end up with the Angels.

The Rangers are reportedly checking out the medical records on free agent third baseman Joe Crede. Pitcher John Patterson has decided to retire at age 30 due to persistent arm problems.

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent pitcher Jon Garland, but are no longer pursuing him. K-Ros points to Pat Burrell's ($8 mill per year) new contract to show just how difficult it is for the Mets to deal Luis Castillo and his $6.25 mill per year. Like a lot of us, K-Ros also doesn't understand the Angels lack of maneuvering.

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are targeting John Smoltz for the rotation. Of course, most of what is said in the Herald isn't true.

Don't cringe Mets fans, but the Mets have reportedly made an offer to Tim Redding.

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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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Vegas Update - Day 4 - 11:30 AM EST

Jason Varitek may just be a Boston Red Sox again after all. The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek's agent Scott Boras has had in depth discussions with Boston regarding a 2-year deal. Money will be the biggest issue here as Varitek, looking for Jorge Posada like money, is coming off a horrid offensive season.

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz no longer available, the Cardinals are making closer Brian Fuentes their top priority.

Ramon Vazquez has been holding out for a 2 year deal and it looks like he'll get his wish. The downside is that it means playing for the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks have inked infielder Felipe Lopez to a one year deal.

The Dodgers have reportedly made a 2 year offer to retain the services of Rafael Furcal.

The Royals agreed to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal with former Yankee, Kyle Farnsworth.

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Yankees Going After Tex

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the Yankees are back in the mix for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. With rumors of big offers and talks concerning Teixeira and the Angels, Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles, the Yankees have shifted some of their focus off of pitching and back to the lineup.

The addition of Mike Cameron certainly didn't add much to the offense, and the Yankees are aware they still need a big bat or two.

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Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

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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 - 10/8

It's been a few days, but we were under the weather and then had to catch up on our day job. The league championship series are set, Mariano Rivera had his surgery, and the winter leagues are underway.

First and foremost, Mariano Rivera is doing well after Tuesday's surgery to remove bone spurs from his right shoulder. He should be able to start throwing in January.

Jon Heyman was on with Mike Francesca the other day. Among the topics of discussion was Joe Girardi's difficulties with the media. Peter Abraham also points out that Tony Pena was marginalized, because Girardi liked to lean on "his coaches" (Meacham, Harkey, etc.).

Another strange twist in the Yankees closing ceremony plans- there won't be any. The Yankees have decided that the finale on September 21 was a fitting end. Which means that the Giants, boxing, etc., will not be acknowledged.

Ross Newhan of the LA Times wrote a nice piece on Don Mattingly's contribution to the Dodgers' success.

Harvey Araton of the NY Times says Joe Torre bleeds Dodgers blue, but has a Pinstripe undershirt.

Derek Jeter's spikes and bat are among new items featured in the baseball Hall of Fame.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/27

Sidney Ponson goes against Paul Byrd in the second game of the series tonight. Unfortunately that means Michael Kay will talk about how much Byrd looks like Kelsey Grammer.

The Boston Herald talked to Mariano Rivera about no longer facing Manny Ramirez on a regular basis.

Joel Sherman says Alex Rodriguez is the Yankees poster boy for failure. We don't disagree.

Jason Giambi continues to prove that the Yankees need a real first baseman.

The Post's Kevin Kernan says Andy Pettitte's big game performances are a thing of the past.

Tyler Kepner has info on Melky Cabrera, Joba's unscripted return, and Jose Molina's nickname.

Quote of the day from The Record's Ian O'Connor. In comparing Tiger Woods, who was at last night's game, and Alex Rodriguez, "Tiger shrinks the moment. Rodriguez? The moment shrinks him."

Jon Heyman has this on Jason Giambi:

Jason Giambi, Yankees first baseman ($21 million option, $5 million buyout): Teammate/good buddy Johnny Damon recently told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that Giambi likes it so much in the Bronx he'd be happy to return for less than that $21-million figure. Damon isn't exactly giving away state secrets, but no matter what Damon or anyone says, the Yankees are more likely to try to lure Teixeira as they try to get younger. The call: The Yankees buy Giambi out and let him go.

Needless to say, the Yankees better NOT bring Giambi back under any circumstances.

LoHud's Sam Borden wonders if this team would have responded differently under Joe Torre.

Igawa continues to earn that Triple-A money.

A man who wrote threatening, racially charged letters to Derek Jeter, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and others, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison.

John Flaherty was elected to the Hall of Fame. No, not that one.

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If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

9-yr old too good to pitch; other team takes its ball and goes home.

Kiwanuka for now, Strahan later?

Darryl Strawberry's kid got traded.

A 13-yr old goalie gets a taste of the NHL

You said what at work?!

Democratic Convention is underway

Jon Heyman thinks CC Sabathia may want to go home.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/15

Hideki Matsui's rehab assignment couldn't kick off yesterday due to rain.

Tyler Kepner reports that Yankees' top pick in this year's amateur draft, Gerrit Cole, has opted to attend UCLA instead of signing with the Yankees. Ed Price reports that a source close to second pick in the first round, Jeremy Bleich, says he wants to sign with the Bombers. Negotiations with second rounder Scott Bittle are said to be far apart. Makes you wonder if the Yankees did more harm than good when they gave sixth round selection Brett Marshall an 850K bonus.

Darrell Rasner will get another start next Tuesday, meaning Phil Hughes will definitely make his minor league start on Sunday.

Dan Giese has been diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis.

Joba Chamberlain will begin his throwing program today, but you have to wonder if it would be smarter just to shut him down for the final month and a half of the season.

The Yankees will open their new Stadium on April 16 against the Cleveland Indians. The season starts on the road in Baltimore.

In an interview yesterday, Jon Heyman referred to Robinson Cano as the most overrated player in MLB right now. That's a stinging criticism, but you can see why Heyman is saying it. Cano is clearly wasting his talent and it would not be surprising if the Yankees moved him this winter.

Update 4:15 PM EDT

The Yankees have fired two Latin American scouts as part of the on-going kickback scandal.

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Catcher in the Sling

Jon Heyman is reporting that Chad Moeller passed through waivers, which means he could be back with the big club very soon. Chris Stewart's Yankees debut was awful last night. He couldn't get on the same page as Phil Hughes and went 0-3 at the plate.

Peter Abraham is reporting that Jose Molina was limping a lot when the Yankees-Indians series ended on Monday, leading to speculation that he could have re-aggravated his hamstring injury (it would also explain why he didn't start last night).

It's going to be a limp along kind of year.

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Show Me the Money

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that Jose Canseco's ex- has nothing to do with the sleazebag's hatred of A-Rod. But rather it's all about the Benjamins. Apparently Canseco and his twin moron brother Ozzie wanted to represent A-Rod, but Rodriguez wisely declined.

However, people who were close confidants of Canseco insist the actual reason the ex-ballplayer despises A-Rod has nothing to do with Canseco's former wife but regards Canseco's true passion, which, of course, is money.

Those former confidants told SI.com the rift between the two Miami-raised superstars actually occurred when Rodriguez chose not to let Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, be his agents. Those former confidants say Canseco was bitterly disappointed in A-Rod's business rejection.

"I know Jose, and I know Jose very well. He would be madder at A-Rod for not signing with the agency than for going after Jessica,'' said Juan Iglesias, a well-respected Miami-based player agent and former business associate of Canseco's.

"At that time, Jose wanted to focus on his professional life. He and his wife were struggling throughout the '90's and into the 2000's. At that time, they were in the process of getting divorced. Jose was in a disrespectful situation and was with other women.''

Yet another former close confidant of Canseco's agreed that the rift had nothing to do with Jessica and instead came about when Canseco lost the client he thought would make a success out of his fledgling South Florida Sports Council, which instead became another of Canseco's failed business ventures. "That's where the animosity comes from,'' the former Canseco confidant said.

In Canseco's new book (should it even be allowed to be called a book), super-roid writes to A-Rod, "I hate your (bleeping) guts.''

Iglesias went on to refute Canseco's claims that A-Rod was a steroid user/abuser.

"Alex was a gentleman with the guy. If he says that about [Rodriguez], I hate to think what he says about me,'' Iglesias said. "I never heard one word about him going after Jose's wife. Never. Not one word. And I would have heard that. We were personal friends.''

Iglesias said he watched Canseco calling out A-Rod on Nightline this week and he couldn't believe what he was hearing. But having lived through it with him, he did believe it.

"The whole thing with A-Rod is absolutely false,'' said Iglesias, who recalled that the Cansecos and A-Rod doubled dated at the 1995 Super Bowl in Miami. "Jose didn't write it in his first book, and Jessica didn't write it in her book. And she talked about everybody she [had a relationship with]. If A-Rod had anything to do with her, that's [a] headline and that would have been in the book.''

It's simply amazing that anyone can write a book and say anything they want about anyone and in many cases won't be sued. A lawsuit might just sell more books and that would not be in the interest of Alex Rodriguez or anyone else. Even if it means being vindicated.

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The Daily Yankeeland

Where for art thou Chuck? Congress is looking for ya. Apparently Chuck Knoblauch is on the lam or at least in hiding from the congressional subpoena server. Meanwhile, Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, is trying to reschedule McNamee's day before congress. He's also working on trying to get his client immunity.

All's quiet on the Johan Santana front, but SI's Jon Heyman believes the Mets have taken the lead as the favorite to land the 2-time Cy Young winner. Though a deal may not be imminent, the Mets appear to be having the most regular dialogue with the Twins.

The Yankees have broken another record, but it's a somewhat dubious one. The Yankees' final payroll for 2007 was $218,311,394, nearly $63 million higher than the Red Sox payroll. In all, 10 teams top the century million mark. Click here to see the full list.

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Prior, Santana Not on Hank's Xmas List

As Hank Steinbrenner sits down on Christmas to unwrap his packages, it's unlikely they'll be an ace left-hander, or oft-injured star under the tree. Prince Hank told Newsday's Kat O'Brien that there's only an outside chance of Johan Santana becoming a Yankee, and though they have explored it, it's unlikely Mark Prior will be in the Bronx either.

As for Santana, "We've got to do things based on what we think is best. I think myself and [general manager] Brian are going back and forth. I think we're comfortable staying where we are, and I certainly think we'd be comfortable getting Santana, too."

SI's Jon Heyman believes that Santana will become a Yankee if Hank overrules Cashman concerning what player's are to be included. Hank seemed to confirm that with this statement:

"The decision is my decision," Steinbrenner said. "It doesn't matter one way or another what somebody ... you have to take advice, but ultimately, the owner has to make a decision.

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Hot Stove Update

Nothing too much going on out there...still speculation and not much movement.

Johan Santana
Jon Heyman notes that the Twins are still having on-going talks with the Red Sox, the latter still insisting they won't include both Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal. The Mets are in the same boat, not wanting to have both Fernanado Martinez and Carlos Gomez in a deal. And you already know where the Yankees stand.

Heyman also gives his review of the Miguel Cabrera-Dontrelle Willis deal. Source

The latest from Ken Rosenthal:

The Padres have joined the A's in having an interest in Barry Bonds. Seems like the Padres are considering every outfielder out there.

Jeremy Affeldt's agents say he has gotten 4-year offers and is looking for a 5-yr deal. They're also quoted as saying "(Affeldt has) the best young left-handed stuff in baseball." Put down the crack pipe guys.

Before he was sent to the Brewers, the Mets passed on Salomon Torres, feeling he was too comfortable playing for losing teams.

K-Ros also has some thoughts on Scott Rolen and Chone Figgins. Source

Buster Olney
The Giants are considering Aaron Rowand for the free agent splash.

Jay Gibbons is looking to win back his fans after his admitted HGH use.

And if you're an ESPN Insider (we're not...we try not to throw good money after bad), you can read Buster's take on the Mitchell Report. Source

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Hot Stove Update

Depending on who/what you believe Johan Santana will remain a Minnesota Twin for now or still has a good chance of going to the Red Sox. Peter Gammons reported that the vibe was more and more like Santana staying put for now. Jon Heyman thinks a deal to the Red Sox is still within reach as does Will Caroll of Baseball Prospectus. Ken Rosenthal says the Mariners are now getting back into the mix, and Heyman feels the Mets are, though they won't get it done without including Jose Reyes.

K-Ros also reports that the Rangers are talking to Scott Boras about both Eric Gagne, and Corey Patterson, who they see as a stop gap measure for centerfield.

In a minor move, the Blue Jays acquired outfielder Buck Coats (great name) from the Reds for a player to be named later or cash.


Buster Olney reports that Aaron Boone is receiving interest from the Giants, Nationals and Brewers. As for Johan Santana...

The Yankees' delegation at the meetings seems less and less interested in rekindling those Johan Santana discussions, even if the Twins try to draw them back in. They've been telling people there's a "99.9 percent chance" they're out of the Santana market for good. So where would the 0.1 percent come from? The unpredictability of the Steinbrenners. Where else?

Here's a good recap/breakdown of the Marlins-Tigers deal from Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein.

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Yankees Set Monday Deadline

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the Yankees have told the Minnesota Twins that want some resolution to the Johan Santana talks on Monday. To be more precise, the Yankees want to know if Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and a prospect (from the non-hands off list) will get the job done. We're not sure this is the smartest move since the Twins don't have to trade their ace any time soon.

The Red Sox decided to include Jacoby Ellsbury in their package, but took Jon Lester out in the process. This woudn't make the offer better than the Yankees offer, but who knows what Twins GM Terry Ryan is thinking. Source

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Hot Stove Update

And we could use that hot stove. 22 degrees and a storm on its way. Dreaming of Tampa, mid-February.

So all day long we've read how the Twins have gone back and forth on who has made the better offer, the Yankees or Red Sox. We don't even know what other teams, such as the Mariners could be offering. There was even one reporter- we'll call him Dick- who reported that the Twins wanted both Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy from the Yankees. Then he later admitted he was merely speculating.

Tonight we get word from SI's Jon Heyman that the Twins want either Alan Horne or Austin Jackson, in addition to Hughes and Melky Cabrera.

Earlier this evening, Buster Olney said the Red Sox and Twins were re-working an offer, thought to maybe include Jacoby Ellsbury or Clay Bucholz.

On and on it goes, and it won't stop until Santana is actually traded. In the meantime, it's creating a heated debated amongst Yankees fans who do or don't want to see Hughes included.

* * *

The Yankees offered salary arbitration to Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Luis Vizcaino. The Yankees did not offer arbitration to Roger Clemens, Ron Villone, Jose Molina, and Doug Mientkiewicz. For A-Rod, Molina, and Mariano, this is merely a formality until their deals get formalized.

* **

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Padres have snared free agent pitcher Randy Wolf, pending physical. There had been a lot of speculation that Wolf was going to return to the Phillies. The Padres have also reportedly talked to the Cubs about Mark Prior.

The Red Sox offered arbitration to Eric Gagne and Mike Timlin. The didn't offer it to Bobby Kielty, Eric Hinske, Doug Mirabelli, Royce Clayton and Matt Clement. Gagne is almost a certainty to sign elsewhere, while Timlin is close to returning to the Sox.

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Stars That Could Be Re-Aligned

SI's Jon Heyman takes a look at the big name stars that could be switching teams during next week's winter meetings. Besides Johan Santana (whose first name we will spell correctly from now on, promise), the most intriguing name for Yankees' fans is Dan Haren. Oakland knows they can get a number of players back for their star right-hander, who is reasonably signed thru 2009, with an option for 2010.

The other big names discussed will be the two Miguels, Cabrera and Tejada. Among the other interesting topics that Heyman touches on, is the possibility of Mike Piazza going to Japan.

Read all about it

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Stove Goes Cold for Verducci

Tom Verducci is one of the most respected and knowledgeable sportswriters in the business. He's also a friend and ally of Joe Torre, and that has made him persona non-grata in Yankeeville.

Verducci wrote scathing commentary about the Steinbrenner boys and Randy Levine after Joe Torre turned down their "disrespectful" contract offer. Word then came last week that Torre was writing his memoirs covering his "Yankee" period. And the "real" writer on the book? Yep, Tom Verducci. So Verducci, a regular panelist on the Yankees Hot Stove show on YES, was told to take a walk, and was replaced by Jon Heyman. It's been a busy week for Heyman who joined the Mike and the Mad Dog show this past week.

It's unfortunate, but we do understanding the feeling among the Yankees brass. And Heyman is good...plus he knocked Torre's take on his contract. In other words, the perfect replacement.

Source

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