Swisher or Nady, Which Will it Be?

It seems a certainty that either Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady will be dealt prior to Spring Training, or at the very worst, prior to the start of the regular season. It seems almost comical in light of the recent free agent signings, but the Yankees want to lower their payroll to a figure comparable, if not lower, to last season's salaries.

That's where Swisher and Nady come in. The Yankees don't want to deal Johnny Damon and realize that Hideki Matsui doesn't have the trade value he once did. So as Ken Davidoff of Newsday writes, it's down to Nady and Swisher.

We like both players and were really impressed with Nady in his post trade deadline stint here. We'd hate to see him go, but he's a free agent after this season and with Scott Boras as his agent, the Yankees aren't likely to bring him back.

Meanwhile, Swisher is signed through 2011 and can play both outfield and first base, though he doesn't particularly stand out in either spot. Swisher's ability to play center field also weighs in, and to a lesser degree, the fact that he's a switch-hitter. The Yankees also like Swisher's "upbeat personality and fiery attitude".

With Andy Pettitte still not signed, Nady could have major value in obtaining another starting pitcher. Now it's up to Brian Cashman to find the best deal possible, which may not be easy since more calls are coming in about Swisher than Nady.

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New Year Hot Stove

It's a new year and time for the first hot stove report of the new year. It also means nearly two months have gone by since players filed for free agency and there are still big names to be had. Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn, Derek Lowe, Bobby Abreu, Trevor Hoffman, and Ken Griffey Jr. are just some of the players still looking for work.

Needless to say Lowe was not impressed by the Mets' 3-year, $36 mill offer.

Crosstown
Last off-season, Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts had to listen to continuous rumors about his pending departure to the Chicago Cubs. Now MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) reports that Orioles are talking to the Chicago White Sox about Roberts' availability. Gavin Floyd's name has been mentioned, though we don't understand trading a 17-game winner when winning is all about pitching.

Don't Let the Door Hit You....
Jon Heyman is reporting that the Dodgers and outfielder Andruw Jones are working to restructure the Curacao native's deal to allow them to move him to another team. Jones would be agreeing to defer half of the $20 million remaining on his contract. Seems like everyone except Ned Colletti knew the Dodgers should give Jones his contract. The restructure would also free up money to help try to resign Manny Ramirez.

Top Cat
Tony Clark has agreed to a 1-year, $800,000 deal that will keep him in Arizona, his baseball home since 2005.

Giants Among Men
The Giants were reportedly quietly looking into signing Manny Ramirez, but then shot down those rumors (or was that a ploy?). Now, according to Heyman, they're taking a look at the medical records of White Sox 3rd baseman Joe Crede to possibly fill their hot corner needs. It's been all downhill for the Giants since they signed Barry Zito. Bonds Karma perhaps?

Please Don't Follow me, Joe
Scott Proctor has escaped the clutches of Joe Torre for the second time, agreeing to a one year deal with the Marlins. Proctor had been non-tendered by the Dodgers.

Moor or Less
Former player Jeff Moorad can now add former Diamondbacks head honcho to his resume. Moorad resigned in order to pursue purchasing the Padres.

No Kidding?
Twins' catcher Joe Mauer has undergone minor kidney surgery (is there such a thing?) to remove an obstruction. The Minneapolis-Star Tribune reports that the situation is not serious and Mauer will be ready for Spring Training.

Old News
In case you missed it, the Angels got themselves a new closer the other day, free agent pitcher Brian Fuentes. To replace K-Rod, Fuentes was given a 2-year, $17.5 million deal. If things don't work out, Fuentes could be moved into a set up role with Scot Shields or Jose Arredondo assuming the closing duties.

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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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Breaking Rumor: Matt Holliday to the A's

Sources from SI and ESPN say that the A's and Rockies have reached a tentative agreement on a deal that would send Matt Holliday to the Oakland A's. The players rumored to possiby be going to Colorado include closer Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, and left-hander Greg Smith.

The biggest shock here of course is that the A's would go after a big name who is ready to make big money. Of course with Billy Beane this could be step one in an even larger deal.

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Tampa's Bay

With the Manny Ramirez talks apparently dead, Jayson Stark is reporting that the Rays are back in discussion with the Pirates for Jayson Bay. The Rays have been reluctant to part with any of their top prospects, but no deal will get done unless they do.

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Manny Deal Appears Dead

Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark have joined Peter Gammons in saying that the three way deal between the Marlins, Red Sox, and Pirates, concerning Manny Ramirez, is dead.

The Pirates are apparently blaming the Marlins and vice-versa. Word is that the Marlins want more money.

I hate the idea of contraction, but the Marlins should have been contracted a long time ago.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. EDT

ESPN's Peter Gammons reported that Florida asked Boston for 2 million additional dollars beyond the amount to cover Ramirez's contract, plus two prospects. Like we said, contract the Marlins.

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Yankees Want Southpaw from the North Side

ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting the Yankees, as well as the Red Sox, are among the teams going after Cubs left-handed reliever Scott Eyre. With Damaso Marte expected to have a prominent role, Brian Cashman would want another left-hander to serve as a specialist.

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Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

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Who Goes Next?

Who goes next in the 2008 Trade-athon? Mark Teixeira, Matt Holliday, Manny Ramirez, Jarrod Washburn, Derek Lowe.

If the Braves deal Teixeira, ESPN's Buster Olney said that the Diamondbacks would be the likely destination. However, AZ is balking, for now, at the asking price of Connor Jackson.

The Providence Journal reported that the Red Sox front office has already spoken to the Mets, Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Dodgers about Man-Ram.

The Rockies have been fielding calls for Brian Fuentes, whose price will probably have to come down since Damaso Marte went relatively cheap.

The Twins are looking to strengthen their bullpen and may be interested, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, in bringing back LaTroy Hawkins. The Yankees DFA'ed Hawkins on Saturday.

Newsday is reporting that the Mets have shown the most interest in Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Dodgers are the primary suitors for Jack Wilson.

The Giants have reportedly been scouting Hank Blalock. The question is, "why?"

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The Daily Yankeeland - 7/24

We're enjoying a day off in the schedule before three big games in Boston this weekend. Here's what's going on.

Things have really begun to heat up in talks with Seattle that would sent pariah #2 Kei Igawa (Pavano is of course #1) to the Mariners for Jarrod Washburn and contract throw in Jose Vidro.

We're not big fans of Washburn, but he battles, gives you innings and has done well in the post-season. He would also give you another left-hander in the rotation in addition to Andy Pettitte, and would be a viable option out of the pen should the Yankees make the playoffs. He's got about $4 million left on his deal this year and has a $10 million contract for next season. Igawa's contract runs through 2011 and is worth about $14 million.

Vidro was once a good 2nd baseman and swung a good bat, but his knees and his skills have eroded and now he's a DH without any pop.

* * *

The media is blasting the Yankees from all sides for their decision not to shut down Jorge Posada immediately so that he'll be ready for the start of next season. There were even rumors that Randy Levine insisted that Posada play because of the big contract he signed in the off-season. It's very believable considering Levine is pretty much a dick.

We, as we stated yesterday, are in agreement that Posada will not be any use to the team this year. His shoulder will not strengthen to the point that he will be able to hit with any kind of authority.

* * *

Today is the 25th anniversary of a game that will in infamy. The Pine Tar game between the Yankees and Royals on July 24, 1983. Brian Heyman of the Journal News looks back, and has thoughts from George Brett and ump Tim McLelland.

* * *

Mark Lelinwalla of the Daily News has a nice piece on rookie outfielder Justin Christian. We repeat, time for Brett Gardner, who couldn't break a pane of glass right now, to go back to Scranton and for Christian to get increased playing time.

* * *

Pitching match ups for this weekend:

Friday: Joba Chamberlain vs. Josh Beckett
Saturday: Andy Pettitte vs. Tim Wakefield
Sunday: Sidney Ponson vs. Jon Lester

Saturday's game is one of those annoying 3:55 starts on Fox and Sunday is an 8:05 "we'll have to listen to Joe Morgan" affair on ESPN.

* * *

The YES Network continues to a great job covering the life and death of our man Bobby Murcer. Yankees Magazine included some new interviews from the likes of Reggie Jackson, Michael Kay, and others are the All-Star game. It's still shocking when Reggie acts humbly.

* * *

The Trenton Thunder have signed a 10-year extension with Mercer County that will keep the Yankees Double-A affiliate in Trenton through 2023. The new deal gives the Thunder more control over operations at Waterfront Park.

* * *

And finally, in case you missed it Tuesday, here's the video (we found the connection to be a bit troublesome) of Melky Cabrera making an error because he was paying attention to the Bleacher Creatures instead of the game.

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Hump Day Rumors - 7/23 Edition

Things are starting to heat up as we get closer to the July 31st trade deadline. Locally the Yankees are taking a look at Seattle's Jarrod Washburn, Pirates' lefties Damaso Marte and John Grabow, the Reds' Bronson Arroyo (yech), and the Rockies' Brian Fuentes. The Denver Post reports that a team source said the Rockies have asked for Rays Double-A starter Wade Hendrickson, the Yankees' Ian Kennedy, the Red Sox's Clay Buchholz or Mets minor-leaguer Jon Niese. The Yankees have even talked about the Jays A.J. Burnett.

The Post's George King reports that the Yankees have also sent a scout to watch the Dodgers' Derek Lowe, who becomes a free agent after this season. The Yankees are also looking at hitters Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and others.

Many of the decisions regarding the Yankees plans will be made this Thursday when the front office meets in Tampa. According to the Daily News' Mark Feinsand, the Yankees will be going for it.

The meeting will include co-chairmen Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, special adviser Gene Michael, pro scouting director Billy Eppler and senior VP Felix Lopez. Manager Joe Girardi isn't expected to be at the meeting, but he is expected to have some input.

A source with knowledge of the situation said that the Steinbrenner brothers have been pleased with the team's recent play, so they want to show the players that they are committed to winning this year by making moves to bolster the roster.

"They're ready to do whatever they need to do at the deadline," the source said. "They want to make a run this year."

A couple of minor trades did go through yesterday. For some reason the Houston Astros acquired left-hander Randy Wolf from the San Diego Padres for minor league Chad Reineke. Perhaps the Astros will look to re-deal Wolf since they aren't coming close to sniffing a playoff spot.

The Diamondbacks strengthened their bullpen by getting setup man/part-time closer Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals for infielder Emilio Bonifacio. The Dbacks now have two of the tallest players in baseball in Rauch and Randy Johnson.

Okay, enough fact, back to rumor. The Cardinals, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch are looking for a left-hander. They've expressed interest in Orioles All-Star closer George Sherrill, who has 29 saves and a 3.83 ERA, Rangers set up man Eddie Guardado. The Brewers are said to be eyeing Sherrill as well.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Brewers are close to signing former Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons to a minor league contract. The oft-injured outfielder couldn't find a major league job after being named in the Mitchell Report last Fall. He's been playing this season for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League.


UPDATE 3:15 PM EDT

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports is reporting that the Yankees are looking for an offensive upgrade at catcher with Jorge Posada not expected to be able to play the position the remainder of the season. The Yankees have reportedly contacted the Texas Rangers about Gerald Laird and the Kansas City Royals about Miguel Olivo.

The Rangers are looking for young pitching in return for Laird, who is signed through 2010. The Royals are working hard to move Olivo, who would come at a lower asking price.

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Hump Day Rumors - 7/16 Edition

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies are taking a serious look at A's starter Joe Blanton. The somewhat portly right-hander has scuffled this season, going 5-12, 4.96 in 20 starts, but is a quality starter.

The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins inquired about their former catcher Ivan Rodriguez, but were rebuffed by the Tigers, who said Pudge II was not available.

Not rumor, but fact, criminal charges have been dropped against Rays reliever Al Reyes after his birthday outburst.

The Mets new Citi Field is likely to be the host of the 2013 All-Star game. Shea Stadium has hosted one game.

The Yankees and Mets are among of handful of teams that are keeping tabs on Freddy Garcia's progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

The Twins have been talking to the Mariners about Adrian Beltre, according to the Star Tribune.

The LA Times reported that K-Rod has nixed further negotiations with the Angels and will test the free agent waters.

The Diamondbacks have talked to the Mariners about Raul Ibanez, says the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

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Fuentes Would Love to Wear the Pinstripes

Front office personnel, managers, etc. can't talk about players from other teams, but Colorado's Brian Fuentes is talking about where he would like to go. With the Yankees and Mets being two of the many rumored destinations, Fuentes recently spoke at length with Mets closer Billy Wagner about the possibility of playing in the Big Apple. And Fuentes made one thing clear- he'd prefer to play for the Yankees.

"I've never played in Yankee Stadium," he told The Post. "I have no preference, but putting on the pinstripes New York Yankees would be something special by itself."

Fuentes would definitely be a welcome addition to a bullpen that has been sorely lacking a quality left-hander for some time.

Source: NY Post

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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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Mariners Set to Acquire Bedard

The Seattle Times is reporting that outfield prospect Adam Jones has flown to Baltimore for a physical, as a prelude to a deal for Erik Bedard. It's not known yet what players will be involved, but Jones was told it's a done deal.

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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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