Speculation

Speculation, that's the idea right now. So many rumors, so many names it will make your head spin. It's a time when a team can strike potential deals, bring fans cheer or disappointment, and keep basbeall relevent in the offseason. Sure we know the Jays want something big and prospect-wise for Halladay, but we don't who will pony up? The Rangers are said to be persuing an old friend, disgruntled OF Milton Bradley. I'm surprised at the attention teams are giving him? Doesn't anybody know about all the discipline problems in the NFL with these type players? The Rangers may lose Marlon Byrd to FA which creates a void in the OF. Last night's three way deal involving Bradley to the Jays is said to have no interest on the Jays part now. The Cubbies are interested in bringing back reliever John Grabow (3-0; 3.24 ERA after being traded from Pirates last season). It's an expectation of a 2 year deal. Rich Harden has said he wants to remain a Cub and his agent will be meeting with GM Jim Hendry this week.

The Mets are playing the smoke and mirrors game now saying they can't afford Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. Sources say Mike Cameron would love to return to The team. If the Mets get him, he's going to be pricey as well. I don't expect Minyana to pull the trigger on Cameron. I expect a younger guy. 1B Daniel Murphy is being retained and 1B Carlos Delgado may get signed abck, but DH/OF Gary Sheffield will definitely not return. C Bengie Molina has sparked NY's interest as well. The Mets will look at Randy Wolf and Joel Piniero as options for a starting pitcher at a cheap price. Good call by the spend-happy Mets.

C Jason Varitek is meeting with agent Scott Boras about his player option. SS Nick Green and OF Joey Gathright were let go by the Sox as well. Gathright wasn't a big factor in the Sox season. Green (.236, 6HRs and 36 RBIs) was good at the plate the first half, but second half his BA and production slid sharply as well as his defensive skill. The SS has been a quandry for the organization since Nomar was traded in 2004. They don't trust Lowrie as I mentioned previously, but the market is open for SS. Rumor has it that OF Rocco Baldelli could come back to Boston. I think it smart to let him walk.

The M's are interested and will make a run at OF Jason Bay says a ML source, but ESPN's Jason Grey says this may not happened because of the prospects within the M's organization. SP Rich Harden could be targeted by the Mariners as well. Why is he a good fit? It's close to his hometown and he's been very good in AL West pitching. Harden has said he wants to remain a Cub, but this could sway his decision mightily in terms of potential money he could make. The M's offered Russell Branyan and Jack Wilson contracts, but thus far Branyan has declined his. No word on Junior's deal or Mike Sweeney's.

Like I said, a lot of speculation and hypothesis by the analysts....we'll just have to wait it out.

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