Yankees Call to Arms (Bullpen)

 
The Yankees starting pitching rotation is currently in flux, with the retirement decision of Andy Pettitte still looming large over their heads.  But the state of the team’s bullpen is also largely in question. 
As George King of the New York Post reports, Yankees brass have stood on both sides of the fence trying to decide where to put [...]

Is a Johan Santana Trade Imminent?

 
According to Espn.com writer Jayson Stark, the Twins have been seriously mulling over trade scenarios for their ace lefty, Johan Santana… since their futile attempt to re-sign him to a “long-term” deal didn’t go far. 
It is believed that the Twins will ask specific clubs, notably the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Dodgers, for three or [...]

Ian Snell Available?

 
As per Jayson Stark, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ian Snell could be made available in the trade market. Snell, 26, went 9-12 in 2007, posting a 3.76 ERA while compiling 177 strikeouts. As Stark states, Snell totaled an impressive 22 “quality starts” last season, ranking ahead of pitchers such as Roy Oswalt.
The Pirates are having significant internal [...]

Kendall, Brewers, Agree to Terms

As previously reported, the Brewers had targeted Jason Kendall as their catcher for 2008. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the two sides have agreed to terms on a contract. The terms of the deal are not known at this time, but we expect the contract to span over one, possibly two seasons. Anything longer [...]

WereWolf of Philly?

 
According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, the Phillies are looking to bring in Hiroki Kuroda or Randy Wolf.
Kuroda has been mentioned in the offseason plans of just about every team, while Wolf, who pitched for the Dodgers last season, has a history of success in Philly and was a fan favorite there. He is coming off a [...]

Fantasy Q & A: RB Steven Jackson for QB Derek Anderson

Q: Fantasy Football: Point per catch league…standard scoring otherwise.
Guy traded Steven Jackson for Derek Anderson straight up. I thought it was a little on-sided, but the guy getting Anderson has Rivers at QB and needs more production from him.
A: First question, nice! Well, while Derek Anderson has certainly been a pleasant fantasy surprise (he went [...]

Five offers for Torii Hunter

 
 According to the Chicago Sun Times, Torii Hunter has received offers from at least 5 teams with a possible 6th (Yankees) sitting on the fringe depending on what happens with Melky Cabrera.
Of the 5 offers, it is believed that all are for 5 years, except for Texas’ offer of 6 years. What a surprise…Tom Hicks [...]

Back to 2002?

 
Call me crazy, but Tony Reagins might be rocking more fleeces this winter than any other GM in baseball…
First, he got fleeced in the Garland-Cabrera deal. Now, he is setting up for the return of David Eckstein (who wants a 4 year, $40 million contract) and get this… Darin Erstad. Eckstein would be allllllriiiiiiiight at [...]

Cordero to Stay Put in Milwaukee?

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Brewers have made a solid offer for FA closer Francisco Cordero, and he is mulling his decision.  His agent, Bean Stringfellow (yep, that’s his real name), is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the one he got Billy Wagner with the Mets, 4 years and $43 million, [...]

Olney: A’s Firesale?

At ESPN, Buster Olney reports that Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane is deciding on whether or not to test the trade market with starting pitchers Danny Haren and Joe Blanton. Speculation is that if one was to go, chances are both would be traded (possibly including closer Huston Street as well) in an attempt to rebuild [...]

Cubs Payroll Expected to Rise

 
According to ChicagoSports.com, Chicago Cubs Senior vice president/legal counsel Crane Kenney hinted that the Cubs $110 million payroll from the end of ‘07 will be “significantly higher” for the upcoming season.
First, the good news for Cubs fans regarding this payroll increase:  It increases their odds at acquiring a player that fills a need, like Japanese star [...]

Tigers Not Likely to “Gamble” on Dontrelle Willis

 
The Detroit Tigers appear to be close to a final deal with Kenny Rogers, which may eliminate them from any Dontrelle Willis trade possibilities. 
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Rogers, “said in an e-mail Tuesday morning that he expected to speak with the Tigers soon regarding a 2008 contract.”  Detroit is believed to have the [...]

Scott Podsednik Designated for Assignment

 
The Chicago White Sox have designated Scott Podsednik for assignment. According to Rotoworld.com, the feeling was that Podsednik would be non-tendered next month, but the Sox wanted to clear the roster spot sooner rather than later. He can still be dealt within the next 10 days, but if that does not happen, he will be [...]

Melvin Mora to the Phillies?

 
Courtesy of Ken Rosenthal, we find out that Melvin Mora would be willing to waive the no-trade clause in his current deal with the Orioles in order to go to another team on the East coast, and presumably to a contender.  The article specially mentions Philadelphia as a possible destination in Mora’s thinking, and also [...]

Heyman: Matt Holliday May be Traded Next Winter

Sports Illustrated’s John Heyman said on WFAN’s “Mike and the Mad Dog” this afternoon that Colorado outfielder Matt Holliday could very well be on the trading block as soon as next winter.  Recently, Holliday commented that the 4 year, $60M the Rockies offered him would not cut it.
Holliday is arbitration eligible for 2008 and 2009 and becomes a free [...]