hot stove 12/14

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The Diamondbacks could be on the verge of sending Javier Vazquez to the

Chicago White Sox for a package that would include pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and outfield prospect Chris Young, a deal that would satisfy Vazquez's request to pitch closer to his native Puerto Rico while returning some young talent to Arizona. Byrnes, reached Tuesday night, wouldn't comment on the status of trade talks, but it is known the White Sox and Diamondbacks were in contact Tuesday about a deal.
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti indicated he might be close to acquiring another outfielder. Among the free agents in whom he is believed to be interested is veteran center fielder Kenny Lofton, viewed as a short-term replacement for Bradley. On the 2001 Cleveland Indians, Lofton was a starter and new Dodgers manager Grady Little was the bench coach. Colletti described free agent Johnny Damon becoming a Dodger as "a long shot" and said free agent Jacque Jones "is seeking something more than we're comfortable with."


The addition of Milton Bradley doesn't mean the A's no longer are pursuing Frank Thomas, but even without Thomas, Oakland's offense -- and defensive versatility -- appears much-improved.


The Orioles are still considered one of the front-runners to land Jeff Conine, but at least two other free agents they once coveted appear to be headed elsewhere. According to a team official, the Orioles are essentially out of the Nomar Garciaparra sweepstakes. ... Meanwhile, the Orioles have cooled on former Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas. The slugger impressed club officials in a face-to-face meeting at last week's winter meetings, but according to one industry source, the Orioles didn't make Thomas an offer because they are unsure about his health.

The Astros met with free-agent outfielder Rondell White and expressed interest in two-time American League batting champion Nomar Garciaparra. The Astros have had discussions with Garciaparra's agent Arn Tellem, who didn't return a phone message Tuesday. White, who also has been contacted by Minnesota and Baltimore, is a left fielder, and Garciaparra is athletic enough to play left field. Both would satisfy the Astros' need for a righthanded bat.


Time Warner is pursuing a possible sale of the Braves. The company acknowledged Tuesday it has put a for-sale sign on Atlanta's major league baseball team as well as the Turner South regional cable network. In response to questions from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Turner Broadcasting senior vice president Shirley Powell said: "We have engaged an investment banking firm to help us assess strategic options for Turner South and a significant programming contributor to that network, the Atlanta Braves franchise, which may lead to a sale of one or both assets." New York-based Allen & Co. is the investment banker hired to shop the team and Turner South, Powell confirmed. She said "no formal discussions" have been held yet with any prospective purchaser. Among the people who could be interested in having such discussions is Falcons owner Arthur Blank, a longtime baseball fan.





From a dozen teams that expressed initial interest in outfielder Joey Gathright, the Devil Rays have held advanced talks with the Marlins, Dodgers and an unidentified team and could be on the verge of a trade. The Rays are seeking young pitching in return for the speedy outfielder and appear to have a match with the Marlins, who are looking for a low-cost replacement for Juan Pierre, and the Dodgers, though they may be exploring signing free agent Johnny Damon.


Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers have interest in free agent Johnny Damon and yes, they created a spot for him yesterday when they traded center fielder Milton Bradley to the A’s. But according to a baseball source familiar with the Dodgers’ thinking, Los Angeles does not believe its chances of completing a deal for Damon are that good, largely because the team believes that he wishes to re-sign with the Red Sox. Also, the team feels some reluctance to deal with Damon’s agent, Scott Boras.

Although the Royals obtained Esteban German from the Texas Rangers during the Winter Meetings, they still are "aggressively" pursuing ex-Cardinal Mark Grudzielanek as a starting second baseman. Baird is offering a one-year deal, but Grudzielanek wants a multiyear contract. The Royals have lesser interest in Tony Graffanino.

Free agent Alex Gonzalez, who played for the Marlins last year, remains high on the Red Sox’ replacement list for shortstop Edgar Renteria. Another free agent, Rich Aurilia, is also on the club’s radar. “I know they might do something,” Francona said of his GMs. “But if we started the season with Alex Cora as our shortstop, I have no problem with that.”


Recently acquired catcher Ramon Hernandez says Miguel Tejada expressed a desire to remain with the Orioles in a phone conversation. "He told me he doesn't want to be traded," Hernandez said. Tejada has expressed the same sentiment to teammate Melvin Mora and to a Comcast SportsNet television reporter. But he has yet to convey his feelings to the Orioles. Hernandez quickly dismissed rumors that he and Tejada, who had been close friends with the Oakland Athletics, were feuding. "We've never had any problems," Hernandez said. "I don't know who came up with that." One former Oakland clubhouse source said there was discord between the players by the end of the 2003 season.


White Sox GM Kenny Williams also discussed his starting rotation. That rotation appears to be in a state of flux, given rumors of a possible deal with Arizona for Javier Vasquez. One report had Jon Garland heading to the Diamondbacks in return for Vasquez. Garland and fellow starter Jose Contreras can become free agents after next season. “We are looking to get better, and we don’t want to put ourselves in a position where our first priority is compromised — that’s pitching,” Williams said. “We are not trying to break up anything. We are looking to add to the equation, fortify it, and not anything else.” If Garland, who reportedly turned down a three-year offer from the Sox, and Contreras plan to test the free-agent market after the season, Williams would like to know sooner rather than later.


When former Oriole Sidney Ponson finishes his five-day jail stay after being found guilty of driving while impaired on Monday, he will have a decision to make on where he wants to pitch. The St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly interested in the troubled right-hander, whose contract was terminated by the Orioles in August after his third arrest for drunken driving.


Two teams recently linked to Kris Benson apparently are setting their sights elsewhere, but other clubs continue to call the Mets about the right-hander. According to a report in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks have no interest in 31-year-old Benson, despite their desire to add pitching and fulfill Javier Vazquez's trade request. And the Royals, who were closely linked to Benson early last week, are pursuing other avenues in the hopes of signing a free-agent pitcher by the end of this week. The Royals may trade for another hurler after that, but they won't trade both Mike MacDougal and Jeremy Affeldt for Benson. Talks with the Mets could be revived in the future, but that doesn't sound like a current match.


The Mets are under the impression Oakland lefty Barry Zito and Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada won't be traded. The Mets haven't contacted Boston regarding outfielder Manny Ramirez recently. The Mets have expressed interest in Toronto righty Miguel Batista, but the Blue Jays aren't sure they'll trade him. The Mets haven't met with or made an offer to free-agent righty reliever Julian Tavarez, who met with the Yankees in Washington Heights on Monday.

Scott Boras, who did not respond to a call for comment, represents Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn — who, along with Scott Elarton, are the free-agent starting pitchers Seattle is most interested. The hard-bargaining agent also turns out to be the man in the middle of the Mariners' chances of dealing outfielder Jeremy Reed to Boston for pitching. The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that in case the Red Sox were unable to re-sign Johnny Damon, the Red Sox spoke with Seattle about swapping pitcher Matt Clement for Reed. An East Coast source confirmed yesterday those preliminary discussions had taken place.





Javy Lopez, Baltimore's starting catcher the past two seasons, might ask to be traded if he is not signed to an extension. The team would consider dealing Lopez.


Nats GM Jim Bowden said he met with Manager Frank Robinson to discuss Robinson's future with the club and said, "We're working on it." Organizational sources have indicated that Robinson likely would return, but with an altered coaching staff. Pitching coach Randy St. Claire, two sources said, will be back, and another said bench coach Eddie Rodriguez will return.


While the Yankees still seek an upgrade in center field, the trade of Milton Bradley from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Oakland Athletics may not make Mark Kotsay available. Kotsay, who had the Yankees' interest in July, signed an extension that reportedly included a no-trade clause through next season (and limited trade protection in 2007-08).


The Yankees continue to have interest in Nomar Garciaparra but are waiting to hear if he wants to play for them. Cleveland, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston are among the teams interested in the former All-Star shortstop, who moved to third base late last season with the Chicago Cubs. Agent Arn Tellem did not return a call seeking comment. A baseball official familiar with the Yankees' plans said they have not yet made a contract offer.


GM Jon Daniels said the Rangers are still looking for another starter, but acknowledged the club likely would not be a significant player for remaining marquee free agents such as Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn. The Rangers do still have interest in pitchers Brett Tomko, Sidney Ponson and Jason Johnson. Daniels said the club continues to explore the trade market. At least five clubs have expressed interest in the Rangers' glut of outfielders.


Washington also signed four catchers to minor league contracts -- including former big leaguers Wiki Gonzalez, Mike DeFelice and Alberto Castillo. Last year's backup, Gary Bennett, signed with St. Louis last week.


What was billed as a party for Marlins season-ticket holders evolved into a sometimes-combative vent session for disgruntled fans Tuesday night at Dolphins Stadium. Fans peppered president David Samson with some angry questions, booed each other at times and expressed displeasure with the dismantling of the roster and the decision to explore relocation. Some of the estimated 650 in attendance jeered a fan who told general manager Larry Beinfest that he was excited to see the team. Another, grabbing the microphone, accused owner Jeffrey Loria -- who was not present -- ''of being carpetbaggers. I'll support them whether they're in Memphis or whatever other city that Loria wants to ruin for baseball.'' That was met with cheers and boos. ''I appreciate the emotion,'' Samson said. ``I appreciate the fact you feel hurt and burned. . . . Jeffrey wants [the team] to stay more than all of you.'' Boca Raton attorney Larry Corman drew cheers when he accused the Marlins of fielding ''a minor-league team at major-league prices'' and said ''every season-ticket holder would love his money back.'' Samson said, ``we were [considered] the most disappointing team in all of baseball [in 2005]. It's not like we traded the '27 Yankees.''


Damaso Marte, 30, joins John Grabow and closer candidate Mike Gonzalez as left-handers in the Pirates pen. That would indicate Littlefield acquired Marte as a trading chip - or to deal Grabow. "We're always open-minded to anything that will make us better," Littlefield said. "Our motivation through the offseason is we want to get better, and we'll do anything we can to accomplish that. But I do like the depth we have right now."

A natural center fielder, Milton Bradley likely will start in right field with Oakland, but he'll be able to spell starting center fielder Mark Kotsay, who suffers from recurring back spasms. Nick Swisher, who spent much of his rookie season in right field, will be moved to first base, moving Dan Johnson, a unanimous pick to the 2005 Topps All-Rookie team as a first baseman, to designated hitter. Outfielder Bobby Kielty, like Swisher a switch-hitter, also figures to log significant playing time, either in left field, right field or at DH.



Free-agent reliever Julian Tavarez could command a four-year contract, and industry scuttlebutt is the Mets won't hesitate to make that commitment. "The market for these guys is three or four years," agent Scott Boras said. "I don't think there's any question. All the teams that are interested are in that range." A Mets insider said the team has not yet made a four-year offer.


The Orioles have been in talks with agent Scott Boras, whose free-agent clients include outfielder Johnny Damon and pitchers Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn and Jeff Weaver. But at this point, the Orioles aren't in serious negotiations with Boras on any of his clients. "You'd have to be interested in a player of Johnny Damon's stature, but I think the asking price is a little bit too high right now," Duquette said. Duquette said the same holds true for Millwood, considered the top pitcher left. He reportedly is seeking an offer similar to the five-year, $55 million deal A.J. Burnett signed with Toronto.


After striking out in their pursuit of Paul Konerko and Carlos Delgado, the Orioles are looking for a good defensive first baseman who could split time with Javy Lopez. Scott Hatteberg is a name that has been discussed.


The Texas Rangers introduced Padilla, the former Phillies righthander, yesterday at a news conference. They acquired Padilla on Monday in a trade with the Phillies for a player to be named. The Phils are deciding between two players: righthander Ricardo Rodriguez or minor-league infielder Julio Gonzalez. If the Phillies choose Rodriguez, 27, he would have a chance to make the 25-man roster. He is 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA in a four-year career as a starting pitcher with Cleveland and Texas. Gonzalez, 17, is a low-level minor-leaguer who the Phillies think has potential.

The Brewers haven't found much interest in Russell Branyan on the trade market. He still could be traded. I'm not sure he'll be back. He didn't hit well enough coming off the bench to project him in that role.

The guys who are out there -- Jeff Weaver, Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn -- want more money than the Brewers have to spend. They think the first four of Sheets, Davis, Capuano and Ohka will be competitive, leavin them to fill the fifth spot. They believe Dave Bush, acquired in the Overbay trade, could be a starter. Dana Eveland is in the mix as well. The other pitcher acquired from Toronto, Zach Jackson, could be in the rotation before the end of next season.


In an interview yesterday on WFAN, Alex Rodriguez said he is leaning toward playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. "I think it's going to be the team I'm going to represent," he said.


Backup catcher Ken Huckaby has agreed to a minor league deal with the Red Sox that includes an invitation to spring training, according to his agent, Kevin Kohler. Kohler said the job description, as outlined by the club to Huckaby, was: ''If you're going to make the team, you're going to have to catch [Tim Wakefield] every fifth day." Huckaby, who has been granted free agency or released 10 times in his career, turns 35 in January but has played in only 153 career games, 35 of them last season with Toronto, when he hit .207 in 87 at-bats. Huckaby is considering setting up shop in Melbourne, Fla., where Wakefield lives, a month or so before spring training opens to practice catching the knuckleball.

The Yanks, like most other MLB teams, submitted a list to the Classic committee of players they wanted removed from consideration for the event for a variety of legitimate reasons (age, injury history and insurance, to name a few). In most cases, their requests were granted - Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano and Jorge Posada were among those removed - but Chien-Ming Wang was not one of them, the Daily News has learned. The Chinese Taipei roster for the WBC has not been officially announced, and it is possible the Yanks' request could be upheld, but Wang - whose status as a national hero grew exponentially over the summer as he flourished in the Bronx - is one of the top players available and is said to be under some pressure from his country to participate.

Damaso Marte's addition gives the Pirates three left-handers in the bullpen, one more than most teams, but Littlefield, speaking about the deal for the first time, said there would be room. The Pirates plan to have one of those left-handers, Mike Gonzalez, be their closer and the other, John Grabow, continue in a late-inning role. "Not only is Marte talented, but he also provides some more depth to a bullpen behind a fairly young starting rotation," Littlefield said. "And he gives us some protection in the pen in the hope that Gonzalez can close."


Free-agent third baseman Bill Mueller is expected to choose his new employer today, and the Pirates are thought to still be the front-runner, as has been the case since they upgraded their contract offer Friday from two to three years. But that does not necessarily mean he will pick Pittsburgh. A source close to the negotiations yesterday said Mueller would decide "within 24 hours" where he will play next season and strongly suggested a desire to play on the West Coast still could have an influence. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants also have made offers and have reiterated their interest in the early part of this week.


D.C. Council member Jim Graham told Mayor Anthony A. Williams he was fighting a losing battle in trying to get the lease approved for a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals in Southeast. "This is, at best, precarious, on the assumption that there are seven votes up here ready to disapprove the lease," Graham said during a four-hour beatdown of Williams at yesterday's council hearing on the lease. "So where do we go from there?" "I don't want to speculate," the crippled duck mayor replied. (The term "lame duck" doesn't do justice to the lack of respect he was accorded yesterday.) Somebody, though, should speculate. Major League Baseball should find a credible threat to use against the District if the council rejects the lease and demands a whole new round of negotiations.


The Nationals announced the addition of utility man Robert Fick, who was signed to a one-year, $850,000 contract to back up at first base, in the outfield and even serve as a third catcher. Fick hit .265 in 93 games last year for San Diego. And, as expected, they re-signed left-handed reliever Joey Eischen to a one-year, $1.3 million deal to return to the franchise for a sixth consecutive season. He went 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA in 57 appearances in 2005.


The Washington Nationals officially completed the trade that brought them four-time all-star Alfonso Soriano yesterday, and the potentially arduous and delicate process of welcoming Soriano to the fold began in earnest when General Manager Jim Bowden and other club officials spoke to Soriano by telephone. "We had a good conversation," Bowden said last night. "It was very positive."


Long ago, Paul Epstein came to realize a dichotomy that he was reminded of again Monday afternoon. That is, the thing that most unsettles his twin brother Theo -- publicity -- is good for Paul's business, which is raising money for charitable causes. Theo and Paul launched the Foundation to Be Named Later in partnership with the Red Sox Foundation last summer. Paul said the Foundation to Be Named Later recently made its first complete round of gifts, donating $200,000 to eight organizations. Most of that money was raised during the ''Hot Stove, Cool Music" event at Fenway in July. When deciding on beneficiaries, Paul said he and Theo targeted agencies that work with kids within the city. ''I'm glad the way things are shaking down, that Theo may be continuing in some capacity," Paul Epstein said yesterday. ''That would make the fund-raising easier."


For the pitching rotation, Kansas City obtained left-hander Mark Redman from the Pittsburgh Pirates but are still looking for another starter. A rumored deal with the Mets for right-hander Kris Benson in exchange for bullpen help didn't materialize. The Royals still are looking at free agents Scott Elarton and Joe Mays among others.

Reggie Sanders, also 38, is seeking a three-year contract, which effectively knocked the Royals out of the running. They had offered only a two-year deal for Sanders, a postseason star in 2005 for the St. Louis Cardinals. "We're pretty much out of the Sanders thing," Baird said. The GM still is pursuing another free agent right fielder, Jacque Jones of the Minnesota Twins.


(these are items taken from sports talk radio,internet reports,newspapers and kfl and posted at benmaller.com)
 

RELAX,im just having fun
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Devil Rays | Auker Departs
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:15:37 -0800

The St. Petersburg Times reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/68/mlb">Tampa Bay Devil Rays announced the resignation on Dec. 13 of senior vice president of business operations Dave Auker.


Dodgers | Interest In Gathright
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:14:44 -0800

The St. Petersburg Times' Marc Topkin is reporting the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/55/mlb">Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in trading with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to acquire OF Joey Gathright.



Yankees | Nomar At First?
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:07:52 -0800

The New York Post is reporting the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees have expressed interest in free-agent SS Nomar Garciaparra (Chicago Cubs) to play first base.


Yankees | Williams Deal Close?
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:06:52 -0800

According to The New York Daily News, the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees and OF Bernie Williams are near agreement on a one-year contract for the 2006 season. Financial terms of a deal were not disclosed.


Yankees | Pavano Reportedly Safe For Now
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:06:00 -0800

The New York Daily News' Sam Borden reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees have no interest at this point in trading SP Carl Pavano.


Dodgers | Interest In Damon
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:59:53 -0800

The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman is reporting the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/55/mlb">Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in free-agent OF Johnny Damon (Boston Red Sox), but the team isn't sure it wants to deal with Scott Boras, Damon's agent.


Marlins | Fans Blast Front Office During Meeting
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:43:39 -0800

According to The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, fans attending a season-ticket party took the opportunity to blast team president David Samson for his dismantling of the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/52/mlb">Florida Marlins. Samson said the team is exploring options other than relocation, including public stock offerings and the construction of a new ballpark.


Orioles | Interest In Conine
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:38:31 -0800

The Baltimore Sun reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/44/mlb">Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in free-agent OF Jeff Conine (Florida Marlins).


Orioles | Interest Cools In Thomas
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:37:24 -0800

The Baltimore Sun reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/44/mlb">Baltimore Orioles have cooled their interest of free-agent DH Frank Thomas (Chicago White Sox), in part because the team has many questions about Thomas' health.


Orioles | Nomar Off The Chart
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:36:21 -0800

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/44/mlb">Baltimore Orioles and free-agent SS Nomar Garciaparra (Chicago Cubs) will likely not come to terms, as Garciaparra turned down a one-year, $4 million deal offered by the club.


Braves | For Sale?
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:31:12 -0800

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Tim Tucker is reporting Time Warner has put a for-sale sign on the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/43/mlb">Atlanta Braves, as well as the Turner South regional cable network.


Twins | Piazza Still On Team Radar
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:25:41 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/57/mlb">Minnesota Twins are still drawing interest from free-agent C Mike Piazza (New York Mets).


Pirates | Mueller Decision Expected Shortly
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:21:04 -0800

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic reports free-agent 3B <A href="http://www.kffl.com/player/5357/mlb">Bill Mueller (Boston Red Sox), who was drawing heavy interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, is expected to announce a decision on where he will play in 2006 by the end of the week.


Brewers | Spring Sked, Tickets Set
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:10:40 -0800

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports tickets for <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/56/mlb">Milwaukee Brewers spring training games at Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets can be purchased via the Internet at www.milwaukeebrewers.com and by telephone at (800) 933-7890.
 

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