Tuesday Night Hot Stove

With the temps in the 20s in the metro area, what better night to start talking hot stove. All the awards have been handed out and now teams can concentrate are making up their rosters for next season.

The Seattle Times says the Mariners have reportedly found their new manager in 45-year old Don Wakamatsu. Joey Cora was thought to be the front runner for the job, but GM Jack Zduriencik wanted Wakamatsu.

A former minor league catcher, Wakamatsu is the first manager of Asian descent. His father was born in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Wakamatsu has extensive minor and major league coaching experience, and was manager of the year in the California League in 1998.

The Cubs have signed Ryan Dempster to a 4-year, $52 million, with the final year having a player's option.

The Cubs are reportedly interested in acquiring outfielder/infielder Mark Teahen from the Royals.

Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa is garnering interest from the Indians, Tigers, Red Sox, Phillies, and Braves.

Peter Gammons is reporting the Jake Peavy to the Braves deal is not dead. The Red Sox could move Coco Crisp for a reliever so that Justin Masterson can move into the starting rotation, and the Blue Jays have made Milton Bradley their top priority.

According to his agent, Pedro Martinez is not ready to retire and plans to pitch in 2009 and beyond.

The Giants inked one of the prized lefty relievers on Monday, signing Jeremy Affeldt to a 2-year, $8 million.