Freezing Our Asses Off Hot Stove

Red Sox Nearing Deal with Big Tex?

The rumors first came from a Boston TV station and now others are chiming in. Boston's front office is in the state of Texas with Mark Teixeira hammering out a deal with agent Scott Boras. That's right the Red Sox are close to signing the free agent first basemen.

What makes this particularly aggravating is that the Yankees never really jumped into the pool. They have never made an offer to Teixeira, despite a huge hole in the Yankees lineup. Perhaps the length of the contract - Teixeira has been receiving 8-year offers - has them spooked. Think Jason Giambi. Maybe they would rather go with a short-term solution like Manny Ramirez, who they think they can get with a 3-year deal.

Teixeira is a premier first baseman, both with the bat and the glove, and could provide long-term protection in the lineup for Alex Rodriguez (Nick Swisher won't do the trick). Mike Cameron certainly isnt' the answer for the Yankees lineup.


There's No Place Like Home

After reports circulated that Rafael Furcal was about to return to the Atlanta Braves, for whom he played shortstop from 2000-2005, Furcal decided to stay put with the LA Dodgers. The shortstop signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2006 season and is expected to ink a new 3-year deal. In response, the Braves have decided to stop doing business with Furcal's agents, The Wasserman Group.


News and Rumors

Trot Nixon has signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jon Heyman feels the Mets and their own free agent Oliver Perez are too far apart on money to come to terms on a new deal.

Freezing Our Asses Off Hot Stove

Red Sox Nearing Deal with Big Tex?

The rumors first came from a Boston TV station and now others are chiming in. Boston's front office is in the state of Texas with Mark Teixeira hammering out a deal with agent Scott Boras. That's right the Red Sox are close to signing the free agent first basemen.

What makes this particularly aggravating is that the Yankees never really jumped into the pool. They have never made an offer to Teixeira, despite a huge hole in the Yankees lineup. Perhaps the length of the contract - Teixeira has been receiving 8-year offers - has them spooked. Think Jason Giambi. Maybe they would rather go with a short-term solution like Manny Ramirez, who they think they can get with a 3-year deal.

Teixeira is a premier first baseman, both with the bat and the glove, and could provide long-term protection in the lineup for Alex Rodriguez (Nick Swisher won't do the trick). Mike Cameron certainly isnt' the answer for the Yankees lineup.


There's No Place Like Home

After reports circulated that Rafael Furcal was about to return to the Atlanta Braves, for whom he played shortstop from 2000-2005, Furcal decided to stay put with the LA Dodgers. The shortstop signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2006 season and is expected to ink a new 3-year deal. In response, the Braves have decided to stop doing business with Furcal's agents, The Wasserman Group.


News and Rumors

Trot Nixon has signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jon Heyman feels the Mets and their own free agent Oliver Perez are too far apart on money to come to terms on a new deal.

Vegas Update - Day 4 - 11:30 AM EST

Jason Varitek may just be a Boston Red Sox again after all. The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek's agent Scott Boras has had in depth discussions with Boston regarding a 2-year deal. Money will be the biggest issue here as Varitek, looking for Jorge Posada like money, is coming off a horrid offensive season.

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz no longer available, the Cardinals are making closer Brian Fuentes their top priority.

Ramon Vazquez has been holding out for a 2 year deal and it looks like he'll get his wish. The downside is that it means playing for the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks have inked infielder Felipe Lopez to a one year deal.

The Dodgers have reportedly made a 2 year offer to retain the services of Rafael Furcal.

The Royals agreed to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal with former Yankee, Kyle Farnsworth.

Vegas Update - Day 4 - 11:30 AM EST

Jason Varitek may just be a Boston Red Sox again after all. The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek's agent Scott Boras has had in depth discussions with Boston regarding a 2-year deal. Money will be the biggest issue here as Varitek, looking for Jorge Posada like money, is coming off a horrid offensive season.

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz no longer available, the Cardinals are making closer Brian Fuentes their top priority.

Ramon Vazquez has been holding out for a 2 year deal and it looks like he'll get his wish. The downside is that it means playing for the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks have inked infielder Felipe Lopez to a one year deal.

The Dodgers have reportedly made a 2 year offer to retain the services of Rafael Furcal.

The Royals agreed to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal with former Yankee, Kyle Farnsworth.

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.

Viva Las Vegas

Yankees Warm up Their Wallets
This year's winter meetings kick off in Las Vegas today with some big time names expecting to accept deals before the get together concludes on the 11th. While top names will probably get scooped up, there's a good chance that second tier free agents may not get the offers they're seeking because of the economy.

The Yankees big focus is of course CC Sabathia. They have a huge offering sitting out there that Sabathia is in no hurry to accept. The Brewers are reportedly so desperate to keep him, they may be willing to put in an opt out clause, so Sabathia can become a free agent again after 3 years.

If the Yankees can't land Sabathia, is Plan B to overwhelm A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe with offers? We've expressed our displeasure at this plan, since Burnett's mental and physical make up is up for debate, and Lowe, for the most part, didn't seem to love pitching in the AL East. Part of Plan B (maybe it's Plan C) is also to meet Andy Pettitte's salary demands.

The one advantage the Yankees have of course is the amount of money they can spend. This is an even bigger advantage in these tough economic times.

We've heard all about the need for pitching and totally agree with it, but the Yankees have to be looking to strengthen their lineup too. Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, and Adam Dunn are among the names out there. While we put Teixeira and Ramirez on the top level, and Dunn a notch below, there's a significant drop off after that among the remaining free agents.

Rumors and Truths
A quick truth (well a rumored truth)...with Ivan Rodriguez gone and not enough confidence in Brandon Inge, the Tigers went out and acquired Gerald Laird from the Rangers last night for two prospects, one of which is Guillermo Moscoso. That news comes from Ken Rosenthal, who also says the Cardinals are ready to make a serious run at Burnett.

Jason Varitek's days in Boston are over. The Sox long time leader declined arbitration last night as he continues to look for a multi-year deal.

The White Sox reportedly dealt Jermaine Dye to the Reds, but both sides quickly shot it down as nonsense.

The Twins broke off talks with Casey Blake, who is insistent on getting a guaranteed third year.

The A's dropped out of the running for free agent Rafael Furcal after the shortstop rejected their four year offer.

Joel Sherman of the Post was on with Mike Francesa last night and expressed what a lot of the pundits feel - that Manny Ramirez will be back with the Dodgers. Part of Sherman's reasoning was that most teams haven't forgotten how Manny acted before he left Boston.

Will try to update you through the next 4 days as deals come down. In the meantime, take our new poll. After CC Sabathia, who is the most important player for the Yankees to sign?

Viva Las Vegas

Yankees Warm up Their Wallets
This year's winter meetings kick off in Las Vegas today with some big time names expecting to accept deals before the get together concludes on the 11th. While top names will probably get scooped up, there's a good chance that second tier free agents may not get the offers they're seeking because of the economy.

The Yankees big focus is of course CC Sabathia. They have a huge offering sitting out there that Sabathia is in no hurry to accept. The Brewers are reportedly so desperate to keep him, they may be willing to put in an opt out clause, so Sabathia can become a free agent again after 3 years.

If the Yankees can't land Sabathia, is Plan B to overwhelm A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe with offers? We've expressed our displeasure at this plan, since Burnett's mental and physical make up is up for debate, and Lowe, for the most part, didn't seem to love pitching in the AL East. Part of Plan B (maybe it's Plan C) is also to meet Andy Pettitte's salary demands.

The one advantage the Yankees have of course is the amount of money they can spend. This is an even bigger advantage in these tough economic times.

We've heard all about the need for pitching and totally agree with it, but the Yankees have to be looking to strengthen their lineup too. Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, and Adam Dunn are among the names out there. While we put Teixeira and Ramirez on the top level, and Dunn a notch below, there's a significant drop off after that among the remaining free agents.

Rumors and Truths
A quick truth (well a rumored truth)...with Ivan Rodriguez gone and not enough confidence in Brandon Inge, the Tigers went out and acquired Gerald Laird from the Rangers last night for two prospects, one of which is Guillermo Moscoso. That news comes from Ken Rosenthal, who also says the Cardinals are ready to make a serious run at Burnett.

Jason Varitek's days in Boston are over. The Sox long time leader declined arbitration last night as he continues to look for a multi-year deal.

The White Sox reportedly dealt Jermaine Dye to the Reds, but both sides quickly shot it down as nonsense.

The Twins broke off talks with Casey Blake, who is insistent on getting a guaranteed third year.

The A's dropped out of the running for free agent Rafael Furcal after the shortstop rejected their four year offer.

Joel Sherman of the Post was on with Mike Francesa last night and expressed what a lot of the pundits feel - that Manny Ramirez will be back with the Dodgers. Part of Sherman's reasoning was that most teams haven't forgotten how Manny acted before he left Boston.

Will try to update you through the next 4 days as deals come down. In the meantime, take our new poll. After CC Sabathia, who is the most important player for the Yankees to sign?

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.

Furcal out, Papelbon in

The Dodgers Rafael Furcal could be out for a significant amount of time after colling today with centerfielder Jason Repko. Furcal was taking off with what has been initially diagnosed as a severely sprained ankle.

ESPN is reporting that Jon Papelbon will once again be the closer for the Red Sox. The Sox are expected to make an announcement after today's game.