More speculation

At this point, I'm just itching for something to go down. The suspense is killing me where the top free agents are going to move and who else won't be returning for 2010. And will someone keep the Mets quiet? I've heard so many rumors about what they are going to do only to change their minds. Holliday, Bay, V-Tek have been nothing but smoke and mirrors. The newest updates we have are C Bengie Molina, C Chris Snyder, and C Rod Barajas. Looking at three catchers says to me, WE NEED A CATCHER! One of these guys has to be picked up right? Wrong. The Mets can keep this game going with how many FA catchers there are on the market. The Mets are going to pull something big, believe me. And we're all going to be blind-sided. MLB.com's Barry Bloom believe Shef and Delgado are done in NY. The Mets are showing in Joel Pineiro as reported yesterday, but not with his financial figure (3yr/$30Mil). Dear Omar, what have we learned about high-priced FA (Ex. Castillo, Lo Duca, etc.)?

The Yankees are starting to rumble to life in the deadest period of time they've had since the postseason. while they won't spend the U.S. economy on players this off-season, they're expected to still upgrade and retain their talent. They're going to roll the dice on offering Sergio Mitre an option despite wanting him and Chad Gaudin back. Chien Ming-Wang will not be tender a new deal, but they hope to get him cheaper. Wang had a season to forget with an astronomical ERA and was shut down by mid-season. As of today, reliever Brain Bruney will be tendered a contract. Bruney gave up a lot of walks, but was effective in relief until his elbow got sore. The deal would be around $1.25M.

Cue up the reunion reel, SP Carl Pavano in Cleveland round two may begin. Pavano, pitched half a season there resurrecting his career after the injury-plagued Yankee years. The Twins are still interested in bringing him back. He'll be looking for at least 4.35MM guaranteed plus incentives to play for either team.

The Brew Crew are said to be talking about Jarrod Washburn and Doug Davis. Washburn makes me think ok, low risk, moderate-high return. But Doug Davis? The same Doug Davis that went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA and gave a career high 103 free passes? I'd re-think this. This isn't like letting C Jason Kendall walk to give a young prospect a chance. At least the D-Backs are considering signing Livan Hernandez(5.44 ERA)....oh wait, his best years are behind him. The D-Backs would be using for clubhouse atmosphere, eating up innings, and aid with Miggy Montero's progression. The D-backs may non-tender Mike Fotenot and Micah Owings. By season's begin, we may be looking at a whole new D'backs team. They may actively persue relievers Rafael Betancourt, Bob Howry, Mike Gonzalez, or LaTroy Hawkins and SP Joel Piniero, Jason Marquis, and Randy Wolf.

The Royals outrighted Lenny DiNardo and Yashuiko Yabuta to Triple-A, but it's believed both are opting for FA. Yabuta recently had his option declined. My prayers have been answered!! The Royals are discussing moving newly acquired Josh Fields to left and trade David DeJesus. The Orioles signed C Michal Hernandez who is hoping to make the back-up catcher role in spring training. He hit .237 in appearances with Tampa Bay and New York. Ok, so maybe I got too excited there. Whose replacing Mark Teahan in KC? Look no further than the Chicago White Sox organization he went to. 3B Wilson Betemit(involved in Nick Swisher trade) is expected to sign. In 20 games, he only hit .200 for the Sox. The Royals may want to re-think this decision.

The Tigers are listening to offers for SP Edwin Jackson (13-9; 3.62 ERA). I know what you're thinking, are they nuts? Well, they can't afford both he and Verlander (19-9; 3.45 ERA) past 2011 so someone is going to be seeing their way out of Detroit. I'd say bye-bye to Jackson too after the year Verlander had career bests in wins, innings pitch and K's.

Is 2B Dan Uggla on the move? After slumping considerably this season, the Marlins may want to retain Jorge Cantu instead and move Uggla for some prospects. The Gaints, Orioles are currently interested while the Red Sox have mentioned interest in having him as a LF. The Giants are trying to work out a new contract with Juan Uribe.

OF Xavier Nady is drawing the Cards interest as they are unsure if Matt Holliday will return. Let's face it that any move made to replace Holliday will be under the microscope because of Holliday's production and fielding ability. Nady could be a cheap alternative if the Cards go that route, Nady just has to stay healthy and be productive.

C Jason Varitek as exercise his player option with the Red Sox. He had a solid fielding year last season(.997) in 108 games, but offensively he wasn't there. As for V-Mart, no progress has been made in an extension according to his agent Alan Nero. Catcher has to be playing on Theo's mind now. A USA Today writer report's the Sox have met with Boras on OF Matt Holliday...details forthcoming.

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