Peavy, Rios, and Lee and Lots of Phone Calls

The Chicago White Sox have been miserable all year and are having a semi-annual clearance sale. Alex Rios, Jake Peavy, and Alexei Ramirez are among the sale items that have been marked down (or up). Rios and Peavy are among the most sought after veterans as Major League Baseball nears the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.(4 pm EDT)

Peavy was scratched from his scheduled start this evening and is the subject of trade talk between the White Sox and a number of teams. Boston, St. Louis, and Oakland are among those showing interest.

Rios is a conundrum, tagged early in his career as the next Dave Winfield, his career has been a roller coaster.  He made back to back American All-Star teams as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006-2007, which lead to a seven year, $64MM contract. While his production dipped slightly in 2008, the 2009 season led the Blue Jays to cut salary.

Rios was putting together a decent season with 62 RBI and a .744 OPS in 108 games when the Blue Jays placed him on post-deadline waivers. The White Sox claimed him and the Blue Jays said you could have him. Suddenly, Toronto had a lot less payroll.

Rios meanwhile didn't adjust well to his new surroundings - a .530 OPS in 41 games. Thus began the rollercoaster for Rios' career. The 2010 season saw a resurgence with 21 HR, 88 RBI, 34 stolen bases and a .791 OPS. A year later though, back down came the coaster; a .613 OPS with just 13 HR and 44 RBI in 537 at-bats. 2012? You guessed it, 850 OPS, topped .300 in his batting avg., 25 HR, 91 RBI and a 15th place finish in the AL MVP voting. Rios still has one year left on his deal, but his OPS is about 100 points less than last season and his HR and RBI pace is down again. I would stay away from him unless you have to give up little in return. He's still guaranteed $12.5MM next year.

Teams in play - Pirates, Yankees (Rios willing to waive his no-trade per NY Post's Joel Sherman); Rangers appear to be out of it for now.

Cliff Lee seems to be in this position every year. In 2002, prior to the deadline he was part of a package (Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips, Lee Stevens) that sent Bartolo Colon from Cleveland to Montreal. The '09 deadline saw him and Ben Francisco shipped to Philly for four players. He was sent to the Seattle Mariners that winter and was up for grabs at the 2010 deadline. After it appeared he was going to the Yankees in a Jesus Montero led deal, the Mariners sent Lee to the Texas Rangers for highly touted prospect Justin Smoak and three others.

Lee returned to Philly again as a free agent in 2010 for five years guaranteed (over $100MM) and an option for a sixth year.  It was one of the many recent mistakes GM Reuben Amaro Jr. made that boosted Philly's payroll significantly. Amaro tonight stated that there is "very little chance" that Lee gets dealt" and chances are "remote" that Michael Young does.

The rest of the field:

Ian Kennedy - Angels are going hard after him, willing to deal Howie Kendrick (Ken Rosenthal)

Marc Rzepczynski- A deal is in place that would send the lefty to the Indians (Derrick Goold, St. Louis-Post Dispatch)

Oliver Perez - Yeah, that guy. Multiple teams are said to be interested in adding Perez to their bullpen. (Jon Morosi)

Bud Norris - Astros are getting calls on Norris who would be a middle to back end of the rotation starter.

Yankees "Aggressively" Trying to Deal Hughes and Joba

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal took to Twitter earlier Wednesday to report that an American League executive  told him the Yankees are "aggressively pushing" to get Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes dealt.

He added that Chamberlain could go to an NL team soon and later added that the Philadelphia Phillies were not that team. Rosenthal also added that the Yankees are not close to making a deal for either player, both of whom are free agents after this season.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal10h

AL exec: “Yanks aggressively pushing Joba, Hughes. Joba could happen soon to NL team.” Source says #Yankees talking on both, nothing close.

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Hurdle Out, Tracy In

There's been much speculation this week about the job safety of Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. According to FOXSports' Ken Rosenthal, Hurdle has indeed been fired and replaced for the remainder of the season by Jim Tracy.

Hurdle took the team to the World Series in 2007, but the Rockies struggled last year and not much has changed this season. Tracy previously managed the Dodgers and Pirates.

Freddy Garcia Re-emerges

We heard the other day that the Yankees had shown less interest in their pursuit of Freddy Garcia. According to Ken Rosenthal, that couldn't be further than the truth. Citing a source, K-Ros says that the Yankees and Mets have emerged as the front-runners in the pursuit of the free agent right-hander.

Garcia would be an interesting signing. He'd like a major league contract, but isn't likely to get anything better than a minor league deal, perhaps with an escape clause if he isn't called up to the majors by a certain date.

After throwing back to back 200+ inning seasons, shoulder problems limited him to 58 innings in 2007 and 15 innings last year. Garcia also reportedly suffered shoulder soreness pitching in the Venezuelan winter league.

The Daily Yankeeland - 1/21

There probably weren't too many people thinking about this with the change in government yesterday. But Michael O'Keefe (not the guy from "Caddyshack") of the Daily News realized that with Bush leaving so does a pardon chance for Roger Clemens.

Peter Abraham has the updated payroll figures after the signings of Xavier Nady and Melky Cabrera. $187.9 million is the current figure, not counting the signing bonuses that CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira received. How do I get one of those?

Ken Rosenthal wrote a piece this morning saying don't think the Yankees are done yet in putting the ball club together. He mentioned that they should go after Ben Sheets and Juan Cruz. Unfortunately, some rumor mill blogs (which I won't give a link to here) now have posts saying the Yankees are pursuing both.

ESPN.com spoke with Kirk Radomski, who said he believes his fellow sleazebag friend, Brian McNamee, over Roger Clemens.

22 Days until Pitchers and Catchers

Turn up the Hot Stove

Maybe it will melt the ice from the frozen tundra we had formed by freezing rain overnight. Don't worry with Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi off the market, there's still plenty of big names left out there.

The all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has been offered similar one year deals by both the Brewers and Dodgers. Jon Heyman believes the Brewers have made a stronger push.

Heyman was on with Mike Francesa yesterday and had some guestimates as to where some of the remaining free agents would end up.

Manny Ramirez - Dodgers reportedly made a 2 year, $45 million offer and aren't likely to increase it. Heyman still thinks another team will jump in.

Adam Dunn - Nationals; teams aren't willing to throw big money at him.

Ben Sheets - Rangers

Bobby Abreu - Still a good possibility of him going to Oakland. We think he could end up with the Angels.

The Rangers are reportedly checking out the medical records on free agent third baseman Joe Crede. Pitcher John Patterson has decided to retire at age 30 due to persistent arm problems.

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent pitcher Jon Garland, but are no longer pursuing him. K-Ros points to Pat Burrell's ($8 mill per year) new contract to show just how difficult it is for the Mets to deal Luis Castillo and his $6.25 mill per year. Like a lot of us, K-Ros also doesn't understand the Angels lack of maneuvering.

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are targeting John Smoltz for the rotation. Of course, most of what is said in the Herald isn't true.

Don't cringe Mets fans, but the Mets have reportedly made an offer to Tim Redding.

Turn up the Hot Stove

Maybe it will melt the ice from the frozen tundra we had formed by freezing rain overnight. Don't worry with Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi off the market, there's still plenty of big names left out there.

The all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has been offered similar one year deals by both the Brewers and Dodgers. Jon Heyman believes the Brewers have made a stronger push.

Heyman was on with Mike Francesa yesterday and had some guestimates as to where some of the remaining free agents would end up.

Manny Ramirez - Dodgers reportedly made a 2 year, $45 million offer and aren't likely to increase it. Heyman still thinks another team will jump in.

Adam Dunn - Nationals; teams aren't willing to throw big money at him.

Ben Sheets - Rangers

Bobby Abreu - Still a good possibility of him going to Oakland. We think he could end up with the Angels.

The Rangers are reportedly checking out the medical records on free agent third baseman Joe Crede. Pitcher John Patterson has decided to retire at age 30 due to persistent arm problems.

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent pitcher Jon Garland, but are no longer pursuing him. K-Ros points to Pat Burrell's ($8 mill per year) new contract to show just how difficult it is for the Mets to deal Luis Castillo and his $6.25 mill per year. Like a lot of us, K-Ros also doesn't understand the Angels lack of maneuvering.

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are targeting John Smoltz for the rotation. Of course, most of what is said in the Herald isn't true.

Don't cringe Mets fans, but the Mets have reportedly made an offer to Tim Redding.

Yankees Front Runner for Burnett

Ken Rosenthal has been told by sources that the Yankees have emerged as the front runner for A.J. Burnett. Not a surprise really since the Yankees are throwing absurd amounts of cash around.

Burnett's representatives were expected to contact interested clubs Thursday, giving them one last chance to beat the Yankees offer of five years and approximately $85 million.

Yankees Front Runner for Burnett

Ken Rosenthal has been told by sources that the Yankees have emerged as the front runner for A.J. Burnett. Not a surprise really since the Yankees are throwing absurd amounts of cash around.

Burnett's representatives were expected to contact interested clubs Thursday, giving them one last chance to beat the Yankees offer of five years and approximately $85 million.

Yankees Losing Their Minds

Ken Rosenthal reported late Wednesday night that the Yankees had upped their offer to A.J. Burnett to $91 million. Insanity you say? Insanity is correct. Going 5 years is bad enough for Burnett, but more than $18 million per season? Does the name Carl Pavano ring a bell?

The Yankees are said to want Burnett or Derek Lowe, but not both, while still hoping to bring back Andy Pettitte or bring in Ben Sheets for a short term contract. It's becoming clearer that the Yankees don't necessarily want Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, and all this maneuvering could lead to Chamberlain's return to the pen or Hughes being used as trade bait for a bat.

Yankees Losing Their Minds

Ken Rosenthal reported late Wednesday night that the Yankees had upped their offer to A.J. Burnett to $91 million. Insanity you say? Insanity is correct. Going 5 years is bad enough for Burnett, but more than $18 million per season? Does the name Carl Pavano ring a bell?

The Yankees are said to want Burnett or Derek Lowe, but not both, while still hoping to bring back Andy Pettitte or bring in Ben Sheets for a short term contract. It's becoming clearer that the Yankees don't necessarily want Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, and all this maneuvering could lead to Chamberlain's return to the pen or Hughes being used as trade bait for a bat.

CC Could Get Early Parole

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that CC Sabathia may have an escape clause in his new deal with the Yankees.

Sabathia is expected to receive an opt-out clause after three years, which was a prerequisite for him to sign with any team, not just the Yankees, according to a source.

Such a clause would give Sabathia the chance for another monster payday in free agency at age 31 — and provides him with an escape if he finds the New York experience unappealing.

CC Could Get Early Parole

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that CC Sabathia may have an escape clause in his new deal with the Yankees.

Sabathia is expected to receive an opt-out clause after three years, which was a prerequisite for him to sign with any team, not just the Yankees, according to a source.

Such a clause would give Sabathia the chance for another monster payday in free agency at age 31 — and provides him with an escape if he finds the New York experience unappealing.

Breaking News: Mets Get Their Closer

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Mets have indeed reached a contract agreement with free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. The deal is reportedly worth $37 million over 3 years, and has a vesting option for a fourth year at $14 million.

Breaking News: Mets Get Their Closer

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Mets have indeed reached a contract agreement with free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. The deal is reportedly worth $37 million over 3 years, and has a vesting option for a fourth year at $14 million.

Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/26

The Yankees and Red Sox start a HUGE three game series tonight at the Stadium. Barring some kind of ALCS miracle, it will be the Red Sox' last visit to this incarnation of Yankee Stadium.

Tim Wakefield (7-8, 3.67) comes off the DL tonight to start the series opener against Andy Pettitte (13-9, 4.17). Wednesday night is the real wildcard game with Paul Byrd (8-11,4.61) , acquired from the Indians, going up against Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67). Byrd is 1-1, 5.40 in his two starts with Boston, while Ponson is 4-1, 3.88 in nine starts since joining the Yankees.

Thursday's finale features the best pitching match up, with Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) facing Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45). Lester has allowed just two earned runs, in 16.1 innings, in his last two starts against the Yankees. Moose tossed six scoreless innings in a 2-1, July 5 win over Boston.

Mike Lupica says it's time for A-Rod to step up.

The Daily News and Star Ledger look back at the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry at the Stadium.

Joba Chamberlain continues his way back to the Yankees.

Jason Bay readies himself for the rivalry.

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Yankees' problems could overlap in 2009.

The Princeton Packet talks to recently-dealt Ross Ohlendorf.

The Yankees have renewed their agreement with Class 'A', Charleston for another four years.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/26

The Yankees and Red Sox start a HUGE three game series tonight at the Stadium. Barring some kind of ALCS miracle, it will be the Red Sox' last visit to this incarnation of Yankee Stadium.

Tim Wakefield (7-8, 3.67) comes off the DL tonight to start the series opener against Andy Pettitte (13-9, 4.17). Wednesday night is the real wildcard game with Paul Byrd (8-11,4.61) , acquired from the Indians, going up against Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67). Byrd is 1-1, 5.40 in his two starts with Boston, while Ponson is 4-1, 3.88 in nine starts since joining the Yankees.

Thursday's finale features the best pitching match up, with Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) facing Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45). Lester has allowed just two earned runs, in 16.1 innings, in his last two starts against the Yankees. Moose tossed six scoreless innings in a 2-1, July 5 win over Boston.

Mike Lupica says it's time for A-Rod to step up.

The Daily News and Star Ledger look back at the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry at the Stadium.

Joba Chamberlain continues his way back to the Yankees.

Jason Bay readies himself for the rivalry.

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Yankees' problems could overlap in 2009.

The Princeton Packet talks to recently-dealt Ross Ohlendorf.

The Yankees have renewed their agreement with Class 'A', Charleston for another four years.

Thursday Hot Stove

The Mets negotiations with Johan Santana continue as the left-hander's agent, Peter Greenberg, is reportedly seeking a 6-year, $150 million deal. The Mets are also heavily into talks with Kyle Lohse. And they've added reliever Ruddy Lugo to the bullpen mix, picking him up off of waivers from the A's.

MLB.com reported earlier today that the O's were considering trying to sign Erik Bedard to an extension. ESPN.com has countered that with a report that Bedard's agent, Mark Pieper, said that the O's were not considering a new contract. ESPN also reports that the O's and M's are still talking deal and working on the "language" of the deal concerning physicals for Adam Jones and George Sherrill.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports is reporting that veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez has reached agreement with the Florida Marlins on a 1-year deal worth $2 million, plus another $1 million in incentives.

Much bounced around reliever Jorge Julio has agreed to a 1-year minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians.

The Phillies officially completed their signing of free agent 3rd Baseman Pedro Feliz. The former Giant will get $8.5 million for 2 years. The club also has an option for 2010.