Monday Hot Stove

When the A's traded for Matt Holliday it raised more than a few eyebrows. Now we're really wondering what Billy Beane is up to. He's reportedly offered free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, a 4-year, $48 million deal. Furcal told "El Caribe" that he received an offer to play second base for the Mets and will be mulling that over as well.

WEEI in Boston reports that the Red Sox have offered their long time catcher Jason Varitek a 1-year deal. Varitek's agent Scott Boras wants Jorge Posada type money, but Varitek was nothing less than awful at the plate in his walk year.

The NY Times reported last week that Japanese baseball officials are upset at the pursuit of 22-yr old amateur pitcher, Junichi Tazawa. Japanese pros have to play 9 seasons before having the opportunity to pitch abroad. Some MLB teams and Tazawa are trying to skirt the system. That includes Boston, which has reportedly made an offer to Tazawa.

According to MLB.com, rumors have resurfaced of a Mark Teahen to the Cubs trade. The Royals are reportedly interested in second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher Sean Marshall.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks have made a 1-year offer to free agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit .290 with 40 RBI in 300 at-bats for the Rangers this season, taking advantage of injuries to Hank Blalock and others.

Despite rumors the contrary, the Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register does not believe that Mark Teixeira will return to the Angels next season. Teixeira told ESPN's Erin Andrews he wants a new deal, wherever it is, by Christmas. Youngman's thoughts are based on a gut feeling. Probably just gas.

Derek Lowe is reportedly seeking a 5-year contract worth $75-$80 million. We hope the Yankees aren't dumb enough to even come close to that level with any offer.

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley slipped and fell on ice at his home in Pennsylvania, breaking his leg. He's expected to make a full recovery by Spring Training.

Monday Hot Stove

When the A's traded for Matt Holliday it raised more than a few eyebrows. Now we're really wondering what Billy Beane is up to. He's reportedly offered free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, a 4-year, $48 million deal. Furcal told "El Caribe" that he received an offer to play second base for the Mets and will be mulling that over as well.

WEEI in Boston reports that the Red Sox have offered their long time catcher Jason Varitek a 1-year deal. Varitek's agent Scott Boras wants Jorge Posada type money, but Varitek was nothing less than awful at the plate in his walk year.

The NY Times reported last week that Japanese baseball officials are upset at the pursuit of 22-yr old amateur pitcher, Junichi Tazawa. Japanese pros have to play 9 seasons before having the opportunity to pitch abroad. Some MLB teams and Tazawa are trying to skirt the system. That includes Boston, which has reportedly made an offer to Tazawa.

According to MLB.com, rumors have resurfaced of a Mark Teahen to the Cubs trade. The Royals are reportedly interested in second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher Sean Marshall.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks have made a 1-year offer to free agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit .290 with 40 RBI in 300 at-bats for the Rangers this season, taking advantage of injuries to Hank Blalock and others.

Despite rumors the contrary, the Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register does not believe that Mark Teixeira will return to the Angels next season. Teixeira told ESPN's Erin Andrews he wants a new deal, wherever it is, by Christmas. Youngman's thoughts are based on a gut feeling. Probably just gas.

Derek Lowe is reportedly seeking a 5-year contract worth $75-$80 million. We hope the Yankees aren't dumb enough to even come close to that level with any offer.

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley slipped and fell on ice at his home in Pennsylvania, breaking his leg. He's expected to make a full recovery by Spring Training.

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?

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?

Monday Hot Stove

The Diamondbacks are waiting to hear back from the A's on a proposed trade for starter Dan Haren. The Diamondbacks reportedly have offered up to 5 players, including prospects Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson. Gonzalez is thought to be the key to the deal. Source

Padres GM Kevin Towers is expecting to hear from Kosuke Fukudome's agent today on a 3-year deal that will be worth at least $10 mill per season. Source

The Reds are a new player in the Erik Bedard sweepstakes, and a member of the organization is confident the teams will get a deal done. Source

The Texas Rangers agreed to a 1-year, $5 million deal with free agent Milton Bradley. Bradley is expected to miss an indefinite amount of time as he recovers from a torn ACL. Source

The Nats reportedly offered either Chad Cordero or Jon Rauch and shortstop Felipe Lopez to the Pads for shortstop Khalil Greene, and were rebuffed. Source

Monday Hot Stove

The Diamondbacks are waiting to hear back from the A's on a proposed trade for starter Dan Haren. The Diamondbacks reportedly have offered up to 5 players, including prospects Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson. Gonzalez is thought to be the key to the deal. Source

Padres GM Kevin Towers is expecting to hear from Kosuke Fukudome's agent today on a 3-year deal that will be worth at least $10 mill per season. Source

The Reds are a new player in the Erik Bedard sweepstakes, and a member of the organization is confident the teams will get a deal done. Source

The Texas Rangers agreed to a 1-year, $5 million deal with free agent Milton Bradley. Bradley is expected to miss an indefinite amount of time as he recovers from a torn ACL. Source

The Nats reportedly offered either Chad Cordero or Jon Rauch and shortstop Felipe Lopez to the Pads for shortstop Khalil Greene, and were rebuffed. Source

Monday Hot Stove

We Yankees fans are feeling better about 2008 with Andy Pettitte back in the fold, so lets see what's going on out there with other teams.

* * *

Paul Lo Duca was being interviewed on one of the local sports reports (we forget which) last night. He says there are 6 or 7 teams interested in. He also went on to say, in not so many words, that he can't wait to stick it to the Mets next season.

* * *

Looks like reliever Ron Mahay, a one year wonder (happens a lot in Atlanta - see Jaret Wright) last season, will not likely be back with the Braves. Mahay's contract demands have gone past the point that the Braves are comfortable with. Source

* * *

Though there have been talks between the Indians and Pirates concerning Jason Bay, it's not likely Bay will be dealt. Xavier Nagy is another Pirates outfielder that is on the market, and there is speculation that the Bucs will non-tender him if they can't deal him. Source

* * *

The Cubbies, looking to strengthen their outfield hitting, have targeted the M's Raul Ibanez. Ibanez has average 24 HRs and 106 RBI the past 3 seasons in a pitcher's ball park. He's set to become a free agent after the 2008 season. Source

* * *

The Mariners have reportedly made a 4-year, $44 million offer to Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. If true, it tops the Dbacks, 3-year, $27 million offer. Source

* * *

The Dodgers are looking to strengthen centerfield and may look to Mike Cameron over high priced free agents Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand. Source

* * *

With the Marlins high demands, the Angels have reportedly turn their attention back to Miguel Tejada. The Orioles are said to want Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood in return. Source

* * *

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are considering bringing back Mike Piazza. Piazza would be a complete idiot to return to the NL or delusional that he can still catch a number of games. The Pads are better off talking to the Mets about Johnny Estrada.

Monday Hot Stove

We Yankees fans are feeling better about 2008 with Andy Pettitte back in the fold, so lets see what's going on out there with other teams.

* * *

Paul Lo Duca was being interviewed on one of the local sports reports (we forget which) last night. He says there are 6 or 7 teams interested in. He also went on to say, in not so many words, that he can't wait to stick it to the Mets next season.

* * *

Looks like reliever Ron Mahay, a one year wonder (happens a lot in Atlanta - see Jaret Wright) last season, will not likely be back with the Braves. Mahay's contract demands have gone past the point that the Braves are comfortable with. Source

* * *

Though there have been talks between the Indians and Pirates concerning Jason Bay, it's not likely Bay will be dealt. Xavier Nagy is another Pirates outfielder that is on the market, and there is speculation that the Bucs will non-tender him if they can't deal him. Source

* * *

The Cubbies, looking to strengthen their outfield hitting, have targeted the M's Raul Ibanez. Ibanez has average 24 HRs and 106 RBI the past 3 seasons in a pitcher's ball park. He's set to become a free agent after the 2008 season. Source

* * *

The Mariners have reportedly made a 4-year, $44 million offer to Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. If true, it tops the Dbacks, 3-year, $27 million offer. Source

* * *

The Dodgers are looking to strengthen centerfield and may look to Mike Cameron over high priced free agents Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand. Source

* * *

With the Marlins high demands, the Angels have reportedly turn their attention back to Miguel Tejada. The Orioles are said to want Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood in return. Source

* * *

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are considering bringing back Mike Piazza. Piazza would be a complete idiot to return to the NL or delusional that he can still catch a number of games. The Pads are better off talking to the Mets about Johnny Estrada.

Monday Hot Stove

Carlos Pena has told a Dominican paper that there is no truth to the rumor that he turned down a 3-year, $30 million offer from the Rays. Source

Another persistent rumor out of Tampa is a deal that would sent Delmon Young to the Twins for pitcher Matt Garza. It's hard to imagine the Rays dealing a player with Young's ability, but perhaps they aren't thrilled with his mental attitude. And of course the Rays are desperate to improve their starting pitching. Source

The Pirates, Padres, Indians, Diamondbacks, and Rockies have joined the Blue Jays in showing an interest in pitcher Matt Clement. Just goes to show you how desperate teams are to find pitching. Source

With Joel Zumaya out for the foreseeable future, the Tigers have begun to look at Octavio Dotel as a set up man and secondary closer for Todd Jones. Source

After an injury plagued year with the LA Dodgers, Randy Wolf may be returning to the Philadelphia Phillies. Wolf turned down a multi-year deal with the Phillies to play for his hometown team, but it turned out to be a disaster. Now Wolf may be "coming home". The Phillies have made an offer to put Wolf back into a Phillies uniform.

Monday Hot Stove

Carlos Pena has told a Dominican paper that there is no truth to the rumor that he turned down a 3-year, $30 million offer from the Rays. Source

Another persistent rumor out of Tampa is a deal that would sent Delmon Young to the Twins for pitcher Matt Garza. It's hard to imagine the Rays dealing a player with Young's ability, but perhaps they aren't thrilled with his mental attitude. And of course the Rays are desperate to improve their starting pitching. Source

The Pirates, Padres, Indians, Diamondbacks, and Rockies have joined the Blue Jays in showing an interest in pitcher Matt Clement. Just goes to show you how desperate teams are to find pitching. Source

With Joel Zumaya out for the foreseeable future, the Tigers have begun to look at Octavio Dotel as a set up man and secondary closer for Todd Jones. Source

After an injury plagued year with the LA Dodgers, Randy Wolf may be returning to the Philadelphia Phillies. Wolf turned down a multi-year deal with the Phillies to play for his hometown team, but it turned out to be a disaster. Now Wolf may be "coming home". The Phillies have made an offer to put Wolf back into a Phillies uniform.

Monday Hot Stove

The Mets "sure thing" deal with Yorvit Torrealba fell through, but the Mets aren't expected to look back to Paul Lo Duca. The Mets are close to getting their 2nd Baseman, Luis Castillo, back with a new 4 year deal.

Yasuhiko Yabuta may be the 1st Japanese import to sign this off-season. The reliever is talking to the White Sox, Royals, Indians, Rays, and Pirates. Source

Tom Glavine got his wish- returning to the Atlanta Braves- with a 1 year, $8 million deal. After 5 mediocre years with the Mets, Glavine is returning to the team that he grew up with. Glavine won 264 games as a Brave before signing as a free agent with the Mets after the 2002 season. The Mets will receive a draft pick as compensation.

The Boston Herald is reporting that Red Sox talks with Mike Lowell aren't going anywhere. But ESPN's Buster Olney expects Lowell to re-sign with the Red Sox within 48 hours. We'll see who's right.

The Blue Jays are said to be interested in Matt Clement, as GM J.P. "the nose" Ricciardi is looking for a "reclamation project". Ricciardi was publicly critical of the oft-injured A.J. Burnett. How will he react to the oft-injured Clement, who isn't nearly as good as Burnett? Perhaps the much cheaper contract will suffice. The Toronto Sun may want to learn how to spell his name fore that though. Source

Torii Hunter is taking full advantage of his free agent status. He's said to be interested in playing for the Dodgers and will be having dinner with Rangers owner Tom Hicks this week.

The A's have reportedly dropped all interesting in signing Barry Bonds after the all-time steroid king was indicted by a grand jury last week. The A's made one deal over the weekend, sending utility man Marco Scutaro to the Blue Jays. Moneyball Sr. trading to Moneyball Jr.

Monday Hot Stove

The Mets "sure thing" deal with Yorvit Torrealba fell through, but the Mets aren't expected to look back to Paul Lo Duca. The Mets are close to getting their 2nd Baseman, Luis Castillo, back with a new 4 year deal.

Yasuhiko Yabuta may be the 1st Japanese import to sign this off-season. The reliever is talking to the White Sox, Royals, Indians, Rays, and Pirates. Source

Tom Glavine got his wish- returning to the Atlanta Braves- with a 1 year, $8 million deal. After 5 mediocre years with the Mets, Glavine is returning to the team that he grew up with. Glavine won 264 games as a Brave before signing as a free agent with the Mets after the 2002 season. The Mets will receive a draft pick as compensation.

The Boston Herald is reporting that Red Sox talks with Mike Lowell aren't going anywhere. But ESPN's Buster Olney expects Lowell to re-sign with the Red Sox within 48 hours. We'll see who's right.

The Blue Jays are said to be interested in Matt Clement, as GM J.P. "the nose" Ricciardi is looking for a "reclamation project". Ricciardi was publicly critical of the oft-injured A.J. Burnett. How will he react to the oft-injured Clement, who isn't nearly as good as Burnett? Perhaps the much cheaper contract will suffice. The Toronto Sun may want to learn how to spell his name fore that though. Source

Torii Hunter is taking full advantage of his free agent status. He's said to be interested in playing for the Dodgers and will be having dinner with Rangers owner Tom Hicks this week.

The A's have reportedly dropped all interesting in signing Barry Bonds after the all-time steroid king was indicted by a grand jury last week. The A's made one deal over the weekend, sending utility man Marco Scutaro to the Blue Jays. Moneyball Sr. trading to Moneyball Jr.