Vegas Update - Day 1 10:40 PM EST

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers and Casey Blake are close to an agreement that would pay the free agent $17 million over 3 years. The Dodgers became Blake's main suitor after the Twins refused to give him a third year.

Padres GM Kevin Towers says it's up to the Cubs if a Jake Peavy deal is to go down. Reportedly a deal is in place, but the Cubs have to sign off on it. Towers also said there's a greater possibility of bringing back Trevor Hoffman if Peavy is dealt.

Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi denied that he had any talks with the Mets concerning B.J. Ryan.

A Rangers official feels that the Rays and Royals are in the lead in the race for Milton Bradley. If the Rangers want him back, Bradley should stay and continue to play for Ron Washington.

Jason Giambi apparently thinks he's going back to Oakland, but Billy Beane isn't moving too quickly.

Share

Vegas Update - Day 1 8:15 EST

The big news tonight, if it is to be believed, is that the Braves are nearing an agreement with the #2 free agent pitcher, A.J. Burnett. That news comes courtesy of ESPN's Steve Phillips. While we take most of what Phillips usually says with a grain of salt, he's got Peter Gammons' blessing on this one.

ESPN cohorts Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick, however, don't believe the Braves are a sure thing and the Yankees might be willing to top the Braves offer.

Jon Heyman believes the Mets offer to K-Rod is a 2-year deal worth $24 million, with a vesting option for a third year. We don't see K-Rod jumping at that one.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankes believe CC Sabathia's sincerity about the possibility of playing in New York.

The Washington Post's sources are telling them the Mets and Red Sox are talking about a deal that would send catcher Brian Schneider to Boston. Schneider was acquired by the Mets prior to the 2008 season.

The Seattle Times believes that a J.J. Putz deal to the Tigers could become a reality, which would really screw up our roto hopes that Fernando Rodney remains closer.

Share

Vegas Update - Day 1 - 4:45 EST

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti denied an earlier report that LA and the Yankees were discussing a Robinson Cano-Matt Kemp deal. Colletti is also unhappy about the progress, or lack thereof, in negotiating with Manny Ramirez and his agents. NY Post

The Dodgers may have some good news shortly though according to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown who says that the team is close to a new pact with Casey Blake.

Greg Maddux made it official, announcing his retirement today after 19 seasons in the bigs.

The NY Post's Joel Sherman feels that a Jake Peavy to the Cubs deal could still get done this week. We wonder if the Cubs ownership filing for bankruptcy will affect that. According to LoHud's Pete Abraham, Padres GM Kevin Towers reiterated that Peavy wants no part of the Yankees or any other AL team. We have two words for you Jake. I think you can guess what they are.

The Baltimore Sun's local rumor of the day is a possible deal of catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds.

Share

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.

Share