Tuesday Hot Stove

Don't Do as I Say
We could use an umbrella to keep the rain off the stove. The Red Sox could use a swift kick in the ass. We don't want to hear any more garbage out of Boston about how the Yankees did this or did that. First it was complaining about how much money the Yankees spent and then the Red Sox started doling out huge deals. Now comes word the Red Sox are about to sign Japanese amateur Junichi Tazawa, violating an age old verbal agreement that the Major Leagues would not raid the Japanese amateurs.

The Yankees may have been looking into a deal as well, but publicly Brian Cashman stated it was a mistake for teams to take such an approach. The fall out from all this of course is that Japanese leagues could disrupt the US amateur draft by making huge offers to US college and high school kids.

Bing Stays Healthier
If the A's can reel in Rafael Furcal, they'll look to deal oft-injured, underachieving shortstop Bobby Crosby. The A's are said to be willing to pick up a good chunk of Crosby's $5.25 million salary.

You Can Never Have Too Many
Left-handers that is. The Cardinals are still finalizing a deal with reliever Trever Miller and have now made an offer to fellow free agent Arthur Rhodes. The Yankees will be disappointed to see him out of the AL.

Making a Pitch
The LA Times reports that the Angels have shifted focus from re-signing Mark Teixeira to addressing pitching needs. Translation - CC Sabathia.

You'll Look Great in Black and Orange
That may be one of the pitches the Orioles make towards free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett now that Baltimore is in the mix.

The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
The Mets have received the X-Rays from Francisco Rodriguez's medical records as they decide whether or not to spend big money on a closer.

Stot Unemployed
With a new manager in Seattle, pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre, still one of our favorites from those old bad Yankees teams, is out of a job. Stot worked one season on the M's staff. Perhaps something will open up with Joe Torre in LA.

UPDATE 5:00 PM
Rockies Try Not to Laugh at Mets
The Rockies have reportedly turned down a deal that would have sent Aaron Heilman to Colorado for Huston Street. Street isn't what he once was or what anyone thought he would be, but he's still a lot better than Heilman.

Tuesday Hot Stove

Don't Do as I Say
We could use an umbrella to keep the rain off the stove. The Red Sox could use a swift kick in the ass. We don't want to hear any more garbage out of Boston about how the Yankees did this or did that. First it was complaining about how much money the Yankees spent and then the Red Sox started doling out huge deals. Now comes word the Red Sox are about to sign Japanese amateur Junichi Tazawa, violating an age old verbal agreement that the Major Leagues would not raid the Japanese amateurs.

The Yankees may have been looking into a deal as well, but publicly Brian Cashman stated it was a mistake for teams to take such an approach. The fall out from all this of course is that Japanese leagues could disrupt the US amateur draft by making huge offers to US college and high school kids.

Bing Stays Healthier
If the A's can reel in Rafael Furcal, they'll look to deal oft-injured, underachieving shortstop Bobby Crosby. The A's are said to be willing to pick up a good chunk of Crosby's $5.25 million salary.

You Can Never Have Too Many
Left-handers that is. The Cardinals are still finalizing a deal with reliever Trever Miller and have now made an offer to fellow free agent Arthur Rhodes. The Yankees will be disappointed to see him out of the AL.

Making a Pitch
The LA Times reports that the Angels have shifted focus from re-signing Mark Teixeira to addressing pitching needs. Translation - CC Sabathia.

You'll Look Great in Black and Orange
That may be one of the pitches the Orioles make towards free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett now that Baltimore is in the mix.

The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
The Mets have received the X-Rays from Francisco Rodriguez's medical records as they decide whether or not to spend big money on a closer.

Stot Unemployed
With a new manager in Seattle, pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre, still one of our favorites from those old bad Yankees teams, is out of a job. Stot worked one season on the M's staff. Perhaps something will open up with Joe Torre in LA.

UPDATE 5:00 PM
Rockies Try Not to Laugh at Mets
The Rockies have reportedly turned down a deal that would have sent Aaron Heilman to Colorado for Huston Street. Street isn't what he once was or what anyone thought he would be, but he's still a lot better than Heilman.

Tuesday Hot Stove

The Blue Jays and Cardinals have completed their previously reported deal, swapping 3rd sackers, Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen. This will be Glaus' 2nd foray into the National League, while Rolen comes to the American League for the first time.

The Orioles are talking to Octavio Dotel about a deal that would make him either their closer or a set up man. The O's are also talking to Rod Barajas about becoming their backup catcher.

The O's and Mariners are still discussing an Erik Bedard deal. At first it was thought that a deal might be close because it was reported the M's had told prospect Adam Jones to stop playing winter ball. But Jones returned to action on Monday.

The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a 1-year, $5 million deal.

The Braves and A's completed the Mark Kotsay deal last night. The A's will receive pitchers Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond in exchange for their veteran centerfielder.

Tuesday Hot Stove

The Blue Jays and Cardinals have completed their previously reported deal, swapping 3rd sackers, Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen. This will be Glaus' 2nd foray into the National League, while Rolen comes to the American League for the first time.

The Orioles are talking to Octavio Dotel about a deal that would make him either their closer or a set up man. The O's are also talking to Rod Barajas about becoming their backup catcher.

The O's and Mariners are still discussing an Erik Bedard deal. At first it was thought that a deal might be close because it was reported the M's had told prospect Adam Jones to stop playing winter ball. But Jones returned to action on Monday.

The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a 1-year, $5 million deal.

The Braves and A's completed the Mark Kotsay deal last night. The A's will receive pitchers Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond in exchange for their veteran centerfielder.

Tuesday Hot Stove

With LaTroy Hawkins joining the Yankees, the Rockies are now looking to add Luis Vizcaino to thei bullpen. Essentially a trade of free agents. Source

The Tigers inked Timo Perez to a 1-year deal and have had talks with the Pirates about Brandon Inge. Source

The Padres are still targeting Tadahito Iguchi for 2nd base and are talking with the Pirates about shipping out Michael Barrett. Source

The Cubs reportedly have offered Kosuki Fukudome a deal worth $50 million in total, trumping the reported $30 mill deal made by the Pads. Source

The Twins and Red Sox continue to talk about Johan Santana, and the Twins are reportedly focusing on a package headed by Jacoby Ellsbury. Source

The Major League Baseball Player's Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Jose Guillen and his 15 game suspension.

Tuesday Hot Stove

With LaTroy Hawkins joining the Yankees, the Rockies are now looking to add Luis Vizcaino to thei bullpen. Essentially a trade of free agents. Source

The Tigers inked Timo Perez to a 1-year deal and have had talks with the Pirates about Brandon Inge. Source

The Padres are still targeting Tadahito Iguchi for 2nd base and are talking with the Pirates about shipping out Michael Barrett. Source

The Cubs reportedly have offered Kosuki Fukudome a deal worth $50 million in total, trumping the reported $30 mill deal made by the Pads. Source

The Twins and Red Sox continue to talk about Johan Santana, and the Twins are reportedly focusing on a package headed by Jacoby Ellsbury. Source

The Major League Baseball Player's Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Jose Guillen and his 15 game suspension.

Tuesday Hot Stove

Ozzie Guillen has never been one to hold his tongue and he's not now concerning Miguel Cabrera. For all those people screaming about Hank Steinbrenner and tampering charges yesterday, we'll do you one better.

Miguel Cabrera wants to return to the Marlins, but if he gets traded he hopes it's to the Chicago White Sox, according to one of his closest friends - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

"He'd love to play for me,'' Guillen said Monday. "Miguel to me is like my oldest kid. His wife and my wife are best friends.''

"He asks me every day, 'What team will I go to? I say I wish I could tell you where I want you to go,' '' Guillen says, pausing to laugh, '' 'but I'd get in trouble.' Obviously he wants to come to the White Sox because I'm his friend.''

Time for Toupee Selig to step up and shut up the Jackass of Oz, and yes, Prince Hank too. Source

* * *

Sweeny Murti of WFAN reported yesterday that he heard rumblings that the Mets were close on a deal for the O's Erik Bedard. There's been no further info since then. The Dodgers and Mariners have also been showing interest.

* * *

The Brewers and Rangers have both been talking to the Cardinals about Scott Rolen. The Rangers were thought to be offering Hank Blalock as part of a deal, while the Brewers may be dangling left-hander Chris Capuano. Source

* * *

A Dodgers beat writer denied that the team made a 2 year offer to Andruw Jones. Meanwhile GM Ned Colletti has said that Jones and Aaron Rowand are asking for too much money. Rowand and his agent have lumped themselves in with Torii Hunter, but Rowand doesn't have Hunter's resume to demand that kind of cash. The Phillies are thought to be considering overpaying Rowand for a short term contract, possibly 3 years, as opposed to the 5 that Rowand is seeking.

* * *

Danny Haren, the Yankees Plan 'B' and much in demand, has stated he doesn't want to be traded. Haren, who is still under contract for 3 years, may not even be on the table, but Billy Beane is certainly going to listen. Source

* * *

There's another big name left-hander that will be a free agent after the 2008 season, but the Cleveland Indians don't want C.C. Sabathia to hit the open market. The 2 sides are using the winter meetings to discuss a new, long term deal. Source

* * *

The Royals are going hard after Jose Guillen, who apparently will take money over any chance of making the playoffs. Rumor has it a deal would be 3 years, worth $33-$36 million. Source

* * *

The Rangers are considering bringing back Eric Gagne to close. Gagne was with the Rangers last season until being dealt to the Red Sox at the trade deadline. His disastrous time there, unfortunately, didn't prevent the Sox from winning the WS. Source

Tuesday Hot Stove

Ozzie Guillen has never been one to hold his tongue and he's not now concerning Miguel Cabrera. For all those people screaming about Hank Steinbrenner and tampering charges yesterday, we'll do you one better.

Miguel Cabrera wants to return to the Marlins, but if he gets traded he hopes it's to the Chicago White Sox, according to one of his closest friends - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

"He'd love to play for me,'' Guillen said Monday. "Miguel to me is like my oldest kid. His wife and my wife are best friends.''

"He asks me every day, 'What team will I go to? I say I wish I could tell you where I want you to go,' '' Guillen says, pausing to laugh, '' 'but I'd get in trouble.' Obviously he wants to come to the White Sox because I'm his friend.''

Time for Toupee Selig to step up and shut up the Jackass of Oz, and yes, Prince Hank too. Source

* * *

Sweeny Murti of WFAN reported yesterday that he heard rumblings that the Mets were close on a deal for the O's Erik Bedard. There's been no further info since then. The Dodgers and Mariners have also been showing interest.

* * *

The Brewers and Rangers have both been talking to the Cardinals about Scott Rolen. The Rangers were thought to be offering Hank Blalock as part of a deal, while the Brewers may be dangling left-hander Chris Capuano. Source

* * *

A Dodgers beat writer denied that the team made a 2 year offer to Andruw Jones. Meanwhile GM Ned Colletti has said that Jones and Aaron Rowand are asking for too much money. Rowand and his agent have lumped themselves in with Torii Hunter, but Rowand doesn't have Hunter's resume to demand that kind of cash. The Phillies are thought to be considering overpaying Rowand for a short term contract, possibly 3 years, as opposed to the 5 that Rowand is seeking.

* * *

Danny Haren, the Yankees Plan 'B' and much in demand, has stated he doesn't want to be traded. Haren, who is still under contract for 3 years, may not even be on the table, but Billy Beane is certainly going to listen. Source

* * *

There's another big name left-hander that will be a free agent after the 2008 season, but the Cleveland Indians don't want C.C. Sabathia to hit the open market. The 2 sides are using the winter meetings to discuss a new, long term deal. Source

* * *

The Royals are going hard after Jose Guillen, who apparently will take money over any chance of making the playoffs. Rumor has it a deal would be 3 years, worth $33-$36 million. Source

* * *

The Rangers are considering bringing back Eric Gagne to close. Gagne was with the Rangers last season until being dealt to the Red Sox at the trade deadline. His disastrous time there, unfortunately, didn't prevent the Sox from winning the WS. Source

Tuesday Hot Stove

While the Yankees have admitted to talks with the Twins about Johan Santana, they are clearly not the only team involved. Across town though, the Mets have said they will not part with Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, or David Wright to land the masterful left-hander. Reyes and Wright we can understand, but Beltran? If they were able to unload his contract it would probably be one of the best things they could do. Source

The Yankees meantime have reached out to free agent reliever David Riske. Though he has had moments of "very goodness", the prospect of signing him doesn't make us do cartwheels. The Brewers have reportedly already made an offer. Source

Meanwhile Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune believes that the Twins may not be able to get full value for Santana, for a number of reasons.

Santana, yes, but for only one season, only about 34 starts. That, plus the exclusive right to pay him that bulky contract extension.

His value isn't what it was after 2006. By his enormous standards, he had a substandard 2007 season, going 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA. He gave up 33 home runs, nine more than his previous career high, and scouts have mentioned subtle warning signs, such as his reluctance to throw his slider.

In any Santana trade, the Twins might want an established star, such as Robinson Cano or Jose Reyes, along with multiple prospects. But that is a pipe dream.

The game has changed. Teams are far more reluctant to part with young, established stars.

And for all his credentials, Santana isn't even the most coveted player on the trade market. That would be Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Asked which one would bring the bigger return, one National League scout said Cabrera, adding, "it's not even a discussion."

While Torii Hunter was passing his physical Monday, the Angels continued in their discussions with the Marlins about Miguel Cabrera. But apparently the talks have hit a snag due to a disagreement on which players would be involved in any trade. The Marlins would like a pair of the Angels young pitchers, but the Halos are reluctant to part with them. Source

Royals GM Drayton Moore is denying a report that his team is close to bringing in Jose Guillen. Moore said that the Orioles and at least one other team are still making a strong push for the Mariners right fielder. Source

Padres reliever Doug Brocail is on the verge of signing a free agent deal with the Houston Astros. Brocail had previously pitched for the Astros from 1995-1996. Source

The Boston Globe is reporting that talks have intensified between the Twins and Red Sox about centerfielder Coco Crisp. Source

Yorvit Torrealba is getting closer to returning to the Rockies after a near-miss with the Mets. Source

Tuesday Hot Stove

While the Yankees have admitted to talks with the Twins about Johan Santana, they are clearly not the only team involved. Across town though, the Mets have said they will not part with Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, or David Wright to land the masterful left-hander. Reyes and Wright we can understand, but Beltran? If they were able to unload his contract it would probably be one of the best things they could do. Source

The Yankees meantime have reached out to free agent reliever David Riske. Though he has had moments of "very goodness", the prospect of signing him doesn't make us do cartwheels. The Brewers have reportedly already made an offer. Source

Meanwhile Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune believes that the Twins may not be able to get full value for Santana, for a number of reasons.

Santana, yes, but for only one season, only about 34 starts. That, plus the exclusive right to pay him that bulky contract extension.

His value isn't what it was after 2006. By his enormous standards, he had a substandard 2007 season, going 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA. He gave up 33 home runs, nine more than his previous career high, and scouts have mentioned subtle warning signs, such as his reluctance to throw his slider.

In any Santana trade, the Twins might want an established star, such as Robinson Cano or Jose Reyes, along with multiple prospects. But that is a pipe dream.

The game has changed. Teams are far more reluctant to part with young, established stars.

And for all his credentials, Santana isn't even the most coveted player on the trade market. That would be Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Asked which one would bring the bigger return, one National League scout said Cabrera, adding, "it's not even a discussion."

While Torii Hunter was passing his physical Monday, the Angels continued in their discussions with the Marlins about Miguel Cabrera. But apparently the talks have hit a snag due to a disagreement on which players would be involved in any trade. The Marlins would like a pair of the Angels young pitchers, but the Halos are reluctant to part with them. Source

Royals GM Drayton Moore is denying a report that his team is close to bringing in Jose Guillen. Moore said that the Orioles and at least one other team are still making a strong push for the Mariners right fielder. Source

Padres reliever Doug Brocail is on the verge of signing a free agent deal with the Houston Astros. Brocail had previously pitched for the Astros from 1995-1996. Source

The Boston Globe is reporting that talks have intensified between the Twins and Red Sox about centerfielder Coco Crisp. Source

Yorvit Torrealba is getting closer to returning to the Rockies after a near-miss with the Mets. Source

Tuesday Hot Stove

With Jorge Posada sewn up, the Yankees are said to be close to a deal with Mariano Rivera. Something could get done within the next few days. The Yankees are also close to re-upping Jose Molina to a 2-year deal.

Here's what's going on around the rest of MLB:

The Twins are close to acquiring Craig Monroe from the Chicago Cubs. While not a star bat, Monroe has shown good power in the past. For now the rumor is a player to be named later in return. Source
UPDATE 2:27 - The Monroe deal has been completed.

The Marlins are contemplating moving Dan Uggla in a deal, especially if they can get Howie Kendrick from the Angels for Miguel Cabrera. The thinking is that Uggla could fetch players to fill more holes than just creating one at 2B. Source

The Red Sox and Mike Lowell couldn't get something done before the open market period, but its still hard to believe they won't get something done eventually. And we repeat, the Yankees would be making a big mistake signing Lowell. His swing is not cut out for the Stadium.

According to the NY Times, the Mets are seriously considering a family reunion. With El Duque already on board, Omar Minaya is giving though to bring in Livan Hernandez. The younger Hernandez is not the same pitcher he was 10 years ago, but he is still an innings eater. The Mets are also close to re-signing backup catcher Ramon Castro to a new 2 year deal. Source

Tuesday Hot Stove

With Jorge Posada sewn up, the Yankees are said to be close to a deal with Mariano Rivera. Something could get done within the next few days. The Yankees are also close to re-upping Jose Molina to a 2-year deal.

Here's what's going on around the rest of MLB:

The Twins are close to acquiring Craig Monroe from the Chicago Cubs. While not a star bat, Monroe has shown good power in the past. For now the rumor is a player to be named later in return. Source
UPDATE 2:27 - The Monroe deal has been completed.

The Marlins are contemplating moving Dan Uggla in a deal, especially if they can get Howie Kendrick from the Angels for Miguel Cabrera. The thinking is that Uggla could fetch players to fill more holes than just creating one at 2B. Source

The Red Sox and Mike Lowell couldn't get something done before the open market period, but its still hard to believe they won't get something done eventually. And we repeat, the Yankees would be making a big mistake signing Lowell. His swing is not cut out for the Stadium.

According to the NY Times, the Mets are seriously considering a family reunion. With El Duque already on board, Omar Minaya is giving though to bring in Livan Hernandez. The younger Hernandez is not the same pitcher he was 10 years ago, but he is still an innings eater. The Mets are also close to re-signing backup catcher Ramon Castro to a new 2 year deal. Source