MLB News: Peavy rumors, Manny gets offer

• Although the Braves are considered the frontrunners in the Jake Peavy sweepstakes, GM Frank Wren insists that the team will not trade any of its best prospects for the right-hander. That includes Jordan Schafer and Tommy Hanson. The Cardinals have said that they have their 2009 rotation set in stone and have no interest in Peavy, but I find that hard to believe, especially this early in the off-season. Some major-league ready players from Atlanta that have been thrown around in rumors are Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson, and Jair Jurrjens.
  
• The Dodgers have reportedly offered Manny Ramirez a two-year contract worth $60 million. Although Ramirez would be making $30 million annually if he signs this contract, he and Scott Boras are still looking for four or more years. The Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Mets, and even the Orioles are teams that have checked in. Don't look for him to wind up in Toronto or Baltimore, though, and Ramirez will most likely be too pricey for the Mets. A sleeper team could be the Angels.
  
• It has surfaced that the chances of Colorado trading Matt Holliday this off-season are very likely. The Phillies nearly acquired the 28-year old outfielder at the trading deadline this season, and with Pat Burrell likely on his way out, I would mark them down as a possible desination. The Red Sox have discussed him internally, and I assume the Yankees will make a call. Holliday will draw interest from just about every team in baseball. The Rockies might also look to deal Garrett Atkins.
  
• Derek Lowe is conjuring up a lot of interest, as expected. Boston is said to be Lowe's preferred choice, but he may be out of their price range. The Mets have also been rumored to be looking at him, although the 35-year old said he doesn't want to play in New York. There is still a very good chance that Lowe signs back with the Dodgers.
• The Marlins will most likely keep Dan Uggla, but they will put Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen, and Kevin Gregg on the block. Of those three, Olsen would most likely bring back the nicest return, but he is also the least likely to be dealt of the trio. He is expendable, however, with Andrew Miller waiting in the wings to take his spot in the starting rotation. Jacobs and Gregg are all but definitely gone.
• Because of Francisco Rodriguez's ridiculously high asking price, the Mets have turned their attention to Brian Fuentes. Don't be surprised if Rodriguez has to shave $15-$20 million off of the $75 million he's looking for. It doesn't look like the Mets are going to spend big money this off-season, as it has also been said that there is almost no chance that they sign CC Sabathia.