A Prior Engagement

The Yankees have shown interest in Mark Prior, but the Rangers and Astros have been the most aggressive in their pursuit of the free agent right-hander. That according to Ken Rosenthal, who also states that the Padres are Prior's 1st choice.

Prior is from San Diego and the Padres' Petco Park is favorable to pitchers. But with an extension given to Jake Peavy and the recent addition of Jim Edmonds, the Padres don't have a lot in the coffers to spend.

Rosenthal also gives his spin on the Dan Haren deal, the Twins roster count, and other winter happenings.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, both the Phillies and Mets have made 4-year offers to free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse. 4 years for mediocrity?

The Cardinals have signed much-traveled infielder, D'Angelo Jiminez, to a minor league deal.

The Seattle Times says Carlos Silva is seriously considering the Mariners', 4-year, $44 million offer. What's he waiting for?

What a hot stove update be without something on Johan Santana. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Red Sox are still the front-runners to obtain the ace lefty, but are sticking to their no-Jacoby Ellsbury stance. The only thing holding up that deal should be hesitation about spending the money on a contract extension for Santana, not whether or not to include Ellsbury.