Friday, December 29, 2006

Padres frontrunners to land Johnson; Cardinals talking with Weaver

Chris Reitsma could be headed to Florida
The Florida Marlins are reportedly trying to sign Reitsma to be their closer. Other teams interested are the Rockies, Devil Rays, Royals, Red Sox, Giants, Indians, and Padres. The Marlins are considered the frontrunners right now, followed by Boston.

Scott Schoeneweis may get three-year deal from Yankees
Rumors have it that Schoeneweis is likely to get a three-year offer from the New York Yankees.

Tigers interested in Ron Villone
The latest rumor on Villone is that the Detroit Tigers may offer him a two-year contract.

Joel Pineiro drawing interest from several teams
The Devil Rays, White Sox, Red Sox, Padres, Royals, Twins, Yankees, Pirates, and Cardinals are all reportedly interested in the 28-year old Pineiro.

Jorge Sosa to the Nationals?
The Washington Nationals have reportedly expressed interest in starter/reliever Jorge Sosa. The 29-year old went 3-11 with a 5.42 ERA last season with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.

Rodrigo Lopez draws interest from Rockies, Nationals
The Colorado Rockies and the Washington Nationals are two potential suitors for Lopez. However, don't count out the possibility that the pitching-depleted New York Mets may make a run at the 31-year old right-hander.

Mike Gonzalez still on the market
Because the rumored three-team deal that would have sent Gonzalez to the New York Yankees fell apart, Gonzalez is back on the market. Expect the Yankees to take a shot at him, and the Boston Red Sox are another potential suitor. Many say that the team in the best position to acquire the 28-year old reliever are the Atlanta Braves.

Dan Kolb may be on his way to St. Louis
The latest rumor is that Kolb might sign a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Tony Armas Jr. to Boston?
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest in Tony Armas Jr. The 28-year old right-hander went 9-12 with a 5.03 ERA in 2006.

Mets may pursue Mark Redman; Royals also interested
Although it was rumored that the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres could make a move on Redman, it most likely won't happen. Redman's most likely suitors are either the New York Mets or he may return to the Kansas City Royals.

Marlins sign Aaron Boone
The Florida Marlins today announced the signing of third baseman Aaron Boone to a one-year contract. The 33-year old bat .251 with seven home runs and 46 RBI last season with Cleveland.

Reds offer Mark Loretta 2-year, $6 million contract
If Loretta does in fact sign the contract, Cincinnati will platoon him at first and second base. The Rangers are also a possibility, with the Yankees being an outside shot.

Padres frontrunners in Randy Johnson sweepstakes?
The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't the only team interested in the 43-year old left-hander. The Padres, Mariners, Giants, Dodgers, and Angels have also expressed interest in Johnson. The Yankees are not willing to eat any of the $16 million that Johnson will earn in the 2007 season unless they receive an outstanding offer. However, as talks continue with Arizona, it's looking more and more likely that the Diamondbacks will give New York what they want, which may mean they may have to part with Conor Jackson, Chad Tracy, or Carlos Quentin. The Padres are reportedly the frontrunners and are willing to offer reliever Scott Linebrink, young third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, and another prospect. However, in order for a deal to materialize with San Diego, a third team would have to get involved and they would likely require the Yankees to eat some of Johnson's salary, something they are seemingly unwilling to do. There is a possibility that outfielder Melky Cabrera may be included in a package with Johnson. Also, the Giants have reportedly dropped out after signing Barry Zito, and Seattle's interest is minimal. The Dodgers aren't believed to be a serious contender either and are reportedly simply trying to drive up the asking price to make Arizona or San Diego, division rivals, pay more.

Mets offer up Lastings Milledge to several teams
The Mets reportedly offered Milledge to the Chicago White Sox for Mark Buehrle and to the Cleveland Indians for Cliff Lee or Jake Westbrook. However, a deal did not materialize. New York has talked with the Texas Rangers about Milledge, as well. The Washington Nationals are reportedly interested in Milledge and would be willing to part with John Patterson to acquire him. The Atlanta Braves may also have interest. Another team that may try to acquire Milledge are the Colorado Rockies, and they would have to give up Jason Jennings to get him. The Florida Marlins remain uninterested in Milledge.

Mariners looking at John Thomson, Tomo Ohka
According to the Seattle Times, Mariners' general manager Bill Bavasi has expressed interest in starting pitchers John Thomson and Tomo Ohka. Seattle requested medical files on the 33-year old Thomson a month ago. Ohka has also drawn interest from the Cardinals, Nationals, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Pirates.

Billy Beane makes counter offer to Mets
After Beane declined an offer that would have sent Rich Harden to the Mets for Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman, he made a counter offer. His offer was Harden for Carlos Gomez and one of Milledge, Philip Humber, or Mike Pelfrey. Omar Minaya did not budge on the offer. Other pitchers that interest the Mets are Jake Peavy, Brad Penny, Jon Lieber, Rodrigo Lopez, Javier Vazquez, and Jon Garland. New York has also expressed interest in Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins, but the Marlins have said he will not be traded. The White Sox don't seem to have the urge to trade another starter, but if Pelfrey was included in a deal, Kenny Williams might make a move.

Cardinals in talks to re-sign Jeff Weaver
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly in talks with Weaver and are willing to sign him for the 4-year, $40 million deal he is asking for. The Mariners and Mets are other possibilities.

Brian Lawrence wants to pitch for the Rockies
Colorado scouts have attended Lawrence's private workouts. However, other teams are interested in the 30-year old starter as well. The Phillies, Diamondbacks, Padres, Cardinals, Mariners, Twins, and Giants have all had scouts attend one of his recent workouts. However, it appears that the Rockies are currently the frontrunners for his services. The Diamondbacks are second, but the Rangers or Padres may make better offers. Lawrence is seeking a one-year deal.

Padres are the frontrunners for David Wells
According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, the San Diego Padres are the frontrunners for 43-year old left-hander David Wells. Wells is looking for $3 million and wants to pitch in California, making the Padres an ideal team.

Updated on Dec. 29th at 8:02 PM.

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