BD Hot Stove: Winter In Florida | Baseball Digest

Discussion of Mark Reynolds (David Hernandez, Kameron Mickolio) and Shaun Marcum (Brett Lawrie) Deals

BD Hot Stove: Winter In Florida | Baseball Digest

12 Shopping Days 'til Xmas Hot Stove

Happy Hanukkah, no matter your spelling. When exactly is Festivus this year? I can just see Hal and Hank Steinbrenner competing in the feats of strength. Hank would probably start off well, but Hal would then use Hank's heft against him.

So what has happened since we checked in last. Winter meetings are obviously done. There have been signings, some rumors, some trades, and some near trades.

The Mets four year offer to free agent outfielder, and one time Mets minor leaguer, Jason Bay created quite the buzz on New York sports talk radio yesterday. Debates centered on whether or not the Mets offer was a legit one.

The offer of $65 million was just $5 million over an offer proposed by the Red Sox. Many fans and members of the media feel the Mets could have made a much bigger impact on the bidding with a bigger boost than 5 mill. Perhaps even throwing a 5th year into the deal may have made a lot more noise.

The Mets also made an offer to one of their top priorities, free agent catcher Bengie Molina.


The Rangers-Red Sox deal is still in the works and is still expected to happen. That's the one where Mike Lowell goes to Texas to take over first base, while catching prospect Max Ramirez heads to Beantown. Money is still being worked out and it's possible the Rangers still have concerns about Lowell's hip. It'll probably get done though.

Today is the deadline for non-tendering players. Chief among them will be the Yankees own, and one of my personal favorites, Chien-Ming Wang. I'll have more on this later.

Cards GM John Mozeliak confirmed that the team has made a formal offer in an attempt to retain the services of free agent Matt Holliday. Mozeliak told St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist/radio host Bernie Miklaz Friday that he expects to hear back from Holliday's agent, Scott Boras, in 48 hours.

The Royals have signed veteran catcher Jason Kendall to a 2-yr, $6 million deal.

The White Sox have signed right-handed reliever J.J. Putz to a 1-yr, $3 million deal to set up closer Bobby Jenks. Putz was expected to be a large part of the Mets bullpen last season after his acquisition from Seattle, but injuries shortened his season.

Tony Pena Jr., son of the Yankees bench coach, and one time infielder has signed a minor league contract with the Giants as he continues his attempt to become a reliever.

FoxSports stated Thursday the Phillies are the front-runners to land Roy Halladay. Not so fast, said Phils' GM Reuben Amaro in response. Amaro may be playing his cards close to his vest, but he does not expect to land the Blue Jays ace.

The Giants and Marlins have had in-depth discussions about a deal that would bring second baseman Dan Uggla to the Bay area.

The Red Sox picked up pitcher Boof Bonser from the Twins for a PTBNL.

Rumor: Harden Signs with Rangers

NBC Sports is reporting tonight that free agent starter Rich Harden has agreed to a 1-yr free agent deal with the Texas Rangers. The deal is said to be worth $7.5 million with an $11.5 million option for 2011.

Harden returns to the American League where he first found success as a member of the Oakland Athletics. He was dealt to the Chicago Cubs as part of a six player deal in July, 2008.

Millwood Moved as Meetings Continue

The third day of the winter meetings saw veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood traded from the Texas Rangers to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Chris Ray and a player to be named later. In obtaining Millwood and cash, the O's add a workhorse starter to a rotation that is filled with youngsters (Jeremy Guthrie being the exception.).

Ray missed most of the 2008 season after under going Tommy John surgery and struggled in his return this past season. He gives the Rangers a veteran set up man with closing experience.

In other moves and rumors:

The Pirates are close to agreeing to terms with much injured infielder Bobby Crosby, who has spent his entire career with the A's. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Crosby would receive a 1-yr, $1 million deal that will include incentives in addition to the base salary.
The Florida Marlins have dealt one time closer Matt Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for pitcher Robert Bono, shortstop Luis Bryan and a player to be named later. Lindstrom will have the chance to take over the closing role from departing free agent Jose Valverde.

The Brewers have signed pitchers Randy Wolf (3 years, $27 million) and LaTroy Hawkins (2 years, $7.5 million). I can't say that's the wisest way to use their money.

The Red Sox and Rangers are reportedly discussing a deal for Mike Lowell. The Sox are reportedly interested in Adrian Beltre as a replacement.

Angels Make Play for Halladay

According to the Toronto Sun, the LA Angels have made a considerable offer for Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. The Angels have reportedly offered starter Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar, and minor league outfielder Peter Bourjos.

The deal would give the Blue Jays the a second starting shortstop they lost when Marco Scutaro signed with the Red Sox. Toronto had previously inked Alex Gonzalez to a 1-yr deal with an option for a second year. Saunders would give the Jays an experienced major league starting pitcher to replace Halladay.

Both Aybar and Saunders are locked up for the next three seasons.

Granderson Talk Highlights Day 1

There may be nothing more to it than pure speculation or the Yankees, Tigers, and Diamondbacks may have actually had some meaningful discussions on a possible three team trade. No matter, the outcome was the same. No deal.

The Yankees have shown interest in Tigers' center fielder Curtis Granderson since Mark Teixeira recorded the final putout in the World Series. The Yankees would have had to part with plenty of talent though in order to land Granderson and that's why the deal made no sense.

Top prospect Austin Jackson and left-handers Phil Coke and Mike Dunn would have been shipped to Detroit, while right-hander Ian Kennedy was sent to Arizona. The Diamondbacks would have sent Max Scherzer to the Tigers, receiving fellow right-hander Edwin Jackson in return. But by the end of the evening, the talks had stalled, maybe permanently.

It's just as well that they did. There's no point in dealing Jackson for a fellow center fielder, even he's as good as Granderson. Notice I said (very) good, not great. Granderson has plenty going for his game, but that doesn't mean Jackson might not turn out to be better. If Jackson is to be dealt it should be for a higher rated position player or a top notch starter (i.e. Roy Halladay).

Brian Cashman told the Bergen Record's Pete Caldera that pitching is still the Yankees top priority this off-season. That includes looking to re-sign Andy Pettitte, reportedly for around $10 million.

Short time Yankee Ivan Rodriguez agreed to a 2-yr, $6 million deal with the Washington Nationals. The future Hall of Fame catcher didn't find a taker last season until the Astros scooped him up in mid-March.

The Cardinals inked righty Brad Penny to a 1-yr, $7 million contract. Penny, who spent this past season with the Red Sox and Giants, could earn an additional $2 million in incentives. By signing Penny, it's also thought the Cards will not bring back John Smoltz.

American Idle himself, Carl Pavano has agreed to arbitration and will stay with the Minnesota Twins. Pavano had a resurgence last year with the Indians before being dealt at the deadline to Minny.

The Tigers re-signed shortstop Adam Everett to a 1-yr, $1.5 mill deal.

No suprise in Houston where Astros' closer Jose Valverde turned down arbitration in search of a much bigger deal. The Braves were surprised though that Rafael Soriano took them up on arbitration. Meanwhile lefty Mike Gonzalez said no thanks.

Winter Meetings 2009 - Day 1

Plenty of rumors on day 1 of baseball's Winter meetings in Indianapolis (you would think they would pick a warm spot). Among them are:

The Tigers are actively shopping pitcher Edwin Jackson, but are currently asking for a lot in return.

The Mets believe someone will take Luis Castillo off their hands. I believe there probably is someone dumb enough to do it. The most likely scenario is the Mets dealing a top regular or prospect and throwing Castillo in as a 'must'.

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reported on his Twitter account that the Cardinals are close to signing free agent right-hander Brad Penny.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that Nick Johnson is drawing interest from the Mariners, Giants, Orioles, Mets, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and his original team, the Yankees. Reserve a spot on your disabled list now.

Foxsports reports the Mets are going hard after free agent catcher Bengie Molina. The Mets picked up backup Henry Blanco from the Pads over the weekend.

Winter Meetings- That's a Wrap

The winter meetings finished up in Las Vegas yesterday with the locals coming out the big winners. We give the Mets the top nod for addressing their bullpen needs by acquiring not one, but two closers. The signing of Francisco Rodriguez is, for now at least, the signing of the off-season. Why you ask?

K-Rod is coming off a record breaking season, where he smashed the single season saves mark. The perfect time to become a free agent. Well that is unless the economy is in the tank. Bingo. K-Rod was hoping for a 5 year deal, worth more per season than Mariano Rivera currently receives ($15 million) from the Yankees.

With offers not reaching the level he was looking for, K-Rod "settled" for a 3 year, $37 million contract. A bargain by today's standards. A win-win for the Mets who needed a big time closer after Billy Wagner went down with an elbow injury during the '08 season. The Mets have their closer for the next 3 years, and, keep this in mind, he's just 26 years old.

The Mets set up situation was in shambles last year. In acquiring J.J. Putz, they not only got a reliever who can close if needed, but they dumped ineffective, whiney, Aaron Heilman in the process. They gave up a lot of players, but not all that much quality, at least none that how will have a big impact any time soon.

The Yankees are the number two winners because they nabbed the biggest prize. It took money and a loophole (an escape clause), but the Yankees got the pitcher they wanted in CC Sabathia. Sabathia is not Johan Santana, but my waiting a year the Yankees didn't have to give up any of their chips to get a top notch left-hander. A big plus is that Sabathia is just 28 years old and has shown tremendous durability.

The Yankees didn't get a deal done with free agent A.J. Burnett, but may be very close according to Joel Sherman and George King of the NY Post. An unidentified Yankee player told the pair that Burnett told him they would soon be teammates and that he (Burnett) really wanted to come to New York.

A 5 year contract worth over $80-$90 million can generate a lot of excitement.


During a Hot Stove addition of Baseball Tonight last evening, Karl Ravech remarked that were no losers, per se, at the meetings, since the off-season still has a long way to go and lot of moves can still be made. He was wrong in one respect- there was one loser and his name is Manny.

Manny being Manny again? Perhaps. Ramirez is "threatening" retirement because he's not finding any offers to his liking. So go ahead and retire. Are owners suddenly supposed to feel bad for you? "NO, we can't let this happen, give him all our millions!!!" Be very wary of signing Manny. Big bat, peanut brain.f

Winter Meetings- That's a Wrap

The winter meetings finished up in Las Vegas yesterday with the locals coming out the big winners. We give the Mets the top nod for addressing their bullpen needs by acquiring not one, but two closers. The signing of Francisco Rodriguez is, for now at least, the signing of the off-season. Why you ask?

K-Rod is coming off a record breaking season, where he smashed the single season saves mark. The perfect time to become a free agent. Well that is unless the economy is in the tank. Bingo. K-Rod was hoping for a 5 year deal, worth more per season than Mariano Rivera currently receives ($15 million) from the Yankees.

With offers not reaching the level he was looking for, K-Rod "settled" for a 3 year, $37 million contract. A bargain by today's standards. A win-win for the Mets who needed a big time closer after Billy Wagner went down with an elbow injury during the '08 season. The Mets have their closer for the next 3 years, and, keep this in mind, he's just 26 years old.

The Mets set up situation was in shambles last year. In acquiring J.J. Putz, they not only got a reliever who can close if needed, but they dumped ineffective, whiney, Aaron Heilman in the process. They gave up a lot of players, but not all that much quality, at least none that how will have a big impact any time soon.

The Yankees are the number two winners because they nabbed the biggest prize. It took money and a loophole (an escape clause), but the Yankees got the pitcher they wanted in CC Sabathia. Sabathia is not Johan Santana, but my waiting a year the Yankees didn't have to give up any of their chips to get a top notch left-hander. A big plus is that Sabathia is just 28 years old and has shown tremendous durability.

The Yankees didn't get a deal done with free agent A.J. Burnett, but may be very close according to Joel Sherman and George King of the NY Post. An unidentified Yankee player told the pair that Burnett told him they would soon be teammates and that he (Burnett) really wanted to come to New York.

A 5 year contract worth over $80-$90 million can generate a lot of excitement.


During a Hot Stove addition of Baseball Tonight last evening, Karl Ravech remarked that were no losers, per se, at the meetings, since the off-season still has a long way to go and lot of moves can still be made. He was wrong in one respect- there was one loser and his name is Manny.

Manny being Manny again? Perhaps. Ramirez is "threatening" retirement because he's not finding any offers to his liking. So go ahead and retire. Are owners suddenly supposed to feel bad for you? "NO, we can't let this happen, give him all our millions!!!" Be very wary of signing Manny. Big bat, peanut brain.f

Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.

Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

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.

Vegas Update - Day 1 10:40 PM EST

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers and Casey Blake are close to an agreement that would pay the free agent $17 million over 3 years. The Dodgers became Blake's main suitor after the Twins refused to give him a third year.

Padres GM Kevin Towers says it's up to the Cubs if a Jake Peavy deal is to go down. Reportedly a deal is in place, but the Cubs have to sign off on it. Towers also said there's a greater possibility of bringing back Trevor Hoffman if Peavy is dealt.

Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi denied that he had any talks with the Mets concerning B.J. Ryan.

A Rangers official feels that the Rays and Royals are in the lead in the race for Milton Bradley. If the Rangers want him back, Bradley should stay and continue to play for Ron Washington.

Jason Giambi apparently thinks he's going back to Oakland, but Billy Beane isn't moving too quickly.

Vegas Update - Day 1 10:40 PM EST

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers and Casey Blake are close to an agreement that would pay the free agent $17 million over 3 years. The Dodgers became Blake's main suitor after the Twins refused to give him a third year.

Padres GM Kevin Towers says it's up to the Cubs if a Jake Peavy deal is to go down. Reportedly a deal is in place, but the Cubs have to sign off on it. Towers also said there's a greater possibility of bringing back Trevor Hoffman if Peavy is dealt.

Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi denied that he had any talks with the Mets concerning B.J. Ryan.

A Rangers official feels that the Rays and Royals are in the lead in the race for Milton Bradley. If the Rangers want him back, Bradley should stay and continue to play for Ron Washington.

Jason Giambi apparently thinks he's going back to Oakland, but Billy Beane isn't moving too quickly.

Vegas Update - Day 1 8:15 EST

The big news tonight, if it is to be believed, is that the Braves are nearing an agreement with the #2 free agent pitcher, A.J. Burnett. That news comes courtesy of ESPN's Steve Phillips. While we take most of what Phillips usually says with a grain of salt, he's got Peter Gammons' blessing on this one.

ESPN cohorts Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick, however, don't believe the Braves are a sure thing and the Yankees might be willing to top the Braves offer.

Jon Heyman believes the Mets offer to K-Rod is a 2-year deal worth $24 million, with a vesting option for a third year. We don't see K-Rod jumping at that one.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankes believe CC Sabathia's sincerity about the possibility of playing in New York.

The Washington Post's sources are telling them the Mets and Red Sox are talking about a deal that would send catcher Brian Schneider to Boston. Schneider was acquired by the Mets prior to the 2008 season.

The Seattle Times believes that a J.J. Putz deal to the Tigers could become a reality, which would really screw up our roto hopes that Fernando Rodney remains closer.

Vegas Update - Day 1 8:15 EST

The big news tonight, if it is to be believed, is that the Braves are nearing an agreement with the #2 free agent pitcher, A.J. Burnett. That news comes courtesy of ESPN's Steve Phillips. While we take most of what Phillips usually says with a grain of salt, he's got Peter Gammons' blessing on this one.

ESPN cohorts Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick, however, don't believe the Braves are a sure thing and the Yankees might be willing to top the Braves offer.

Jon Heyman believes the Mets offer to K-Rod is a 2-year deal worth $24 million, with a vesting option for a third year. We don't see K-Rod jumping at that one.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankes believe CC Sabathia's sincerity about the possibility of playing in New York.

The Washington Post's sources are telling them the Mets and Red Sox are talking about a deal that would send catcher Brian Schneider to Boston. Schneider was acquired by the Mets prior to the 2008 season.

The Seattle Times believes that a J.J. Putz deal to the Tigers could become a reality, which would really screw up our roto hopes that Fernando Rodney remains closer.

The Winter of Our Discontent

This Hot Stove season is an even bigger one for the Yankees than last year's. The team is coming off, for them, a poor season and the team's roster is currently in disarray. Mike Mussina has retired. Andy Pettitte is whoring for more money. Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu have been cast aside. Other than an offer to CC Sabathia, trade talks for Jake Peavy, and salary arbitration decisions, this has been the slowest off-season for the Yankees (and all teams) in recent years. But that should all change next week. Oops! And the acquisition of Nick Swisher..duh.

The annual general manager's meeting is set to begin Monday, Dec. 8 in Las Vegas. That means that player agents will be able to bounce back and forth between teams in a short amount of time. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett are among the names that could walk away with new deals by the time the meetings end on the 11th.

The Yankees biggest focus right now is on their pitching. At the moment, the pitching staff consists of Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Phil Hughes is certainly not being counted on as a definite as he was last season. We won't even get into Ian Kennedy.

Sabathia is of course the grand prize. But the consensus is that he prefers to staying on the west coast and in the National League, where he thoroughly dominated after being dealt to Milwaukee at the trade deadline. Money will be no object for the Yankees when dealing with the big left-hander so it will come down to Sabathia's preference, and possible pressure from the player's union to take the most money.

Burnett is number two on the Yankees hit list, but there's a significant drop off from the the one and two spots. Burnett doesn't have the resume Sabathia has and won't make nearly as much cash. But he'll still make plenty. Burnett probably won't agree to a deal until Sabathia sets the bar. He's looking for a 5-year deal in the neighborhood of $75-$80 million. Burnett has proven he can pitch in the American League, and more importantly, in the AL East. But there are concerns about his arm and his mental toughness.

The Daily News is reporting that the Braves, who are expected to officially announce their deal for Javier Vazquez later today, are reportedly set to offer Burnett a guaranteed 5-year deal. That 5th year is something the Yankees have been reluctant to offer.

Peavy is the best signed option out there, but teams are finding that the Padres are asking for too much in return. As we previously mentioned, Peavy has already shown his distaste for playing in the Big Apple, so a deal doesn't make a lot of sense. Widespread reports say that both the Braves and Cubs have broken off talks after failing to swing a three team deal.

The Yankees can always use left-handed pitching, especially if they part ways with Pettitte. The Mets' Oliver Perez makes for an interesting case. He seems to have recaptured the ability that he had in San Diego and lost after one season in Pittsburgh, but he can still be awfully inconsistent and wild at times. He went 25-17 over the last two season for the Mets, and threw a career second best 194 innings last season. After putting up a 3.56 ERA in 2007, he saw that number rise to 4.22 in 2008. You have to wonder if his stuff would translate to the American League.

Ben Sheets has had a fine career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but the 30-yr old is perennially hurt. His 198.1 innings this past season was only the 2nd time he topped 150 innings in the last 4 years. He's coming off a 13-9, 3.09, 158 strikeout season, but had trouble with his right triceps, forearm, and elbow this past season. We would definitely stay away from him.

There could be other pitchers on the move, such as those who will become free agents after the 2009 season. Plus those who were disappointments in 2008. Erik Bedard fits both those categories.

So what do we have? The Yankees have to go all out, balls to the wall, in an effort to land Sabathia. If they don't, that doesn't mean they should blow Burnett away with money. He's had one very good season and has had arm issues (see Carl Pavano). If the Yankees do land Sabathia, they may be better off going for a secondary option that is cheaper (Perez), or dealing for someone like Bedard. That will free up more money to shore up the offense with a player like Mark Teixeira or someone of that ilk.