by Ken Rosenthal

MLB Hot Stove

Ken Rosenthal and our MLB crew have you covered. Check out all the news and notes from the hot stove. Angels sign Abreu to 1-year deal Sources: Nats land Dunn w/2-year deal Updates: Lefty relievers getting offers Wolf, Dodgers agree to $5M deal Sources: Mets ink deal to keep Perez Braves, Kotchman avoid arbitration Sources: Rays, Shouse OK deal Report: Varitek to stay with BoSox Mets, Maine avoid arbitration Pirates sign P Maholm to 3-year deal

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11:48 p.m. — UPDATED: Fuentes' suitors grow

Free-agent left-hander Brian Fuentes is drawing interest from five teams — the Cardinals, Angels, Nats, Brewers and also the Tigers.

The Nationals, a source says, are trying to sign either Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez while targeting Fuentes to be their new closer. However, another source suggests that the Nats will not spend heavily on a closer knowing that they are unlikely to contend next season.

Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman are the two major unsigned free-agent closers following the Mets' agreement with Francisco Rodriguez and the Indians' near-agreement with Kerry Wood.

The Angels view Fuentes as a possible replacement for Rodriguez. The Cardinals are looking for a short-term closer, and the Tigers are also in the market for a ninth-inning specialist.

11:46 p.m. — UPDATED: A's, Furcal's agent meet Tuesday night

Rafael Furcal remains the A's top focus and the team resumed discussion with his agent Paul Kinzer on Tuesday night.

Kinzer said four teams remain in the running for the free-agent shortstop — the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Royals and A's.

Four teams are in pursuit of Rafael Furcal. ( / Getty Images)

"Toronto and Kansas City told me the only guy they would go to ownership for is Furcal," Kinzer said. "They're serious."

He is seeking a four-year guaranteed contract. The Dodgers have been unwilling to go to that level, and the A's withdrew temporarilly last week after Furcal rejected their four-year proposal.

If the Royals signed Furcal, they would move Mike Aviles to second base.

Furcal remains the A's No. 1 priority despite the breakdown in negotiations that occurred last week. To sign Furcal, they might not offer the same amount of money as in their initial offer, a four-year deal believed to be worth between $35-40 million.

10:57 p.m. — Cashman flies to SF for CC visit

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman flew to San Francisco Tuesday night to meet with CC Sabathia, according to a major-league source. The meeting, first reported by Newsday, is the Yankees' third in three days with Sabathia and could indicate that negotations are coming to a head.

The Yankees' initial offer was for six years, $140 million, which would be a record contract for a starting pitcher.

9:51 p.m. — Sheets less risky than Burnett?

While A.J. Burnett is getting a lot of the attention and Ben Sheets' offers seem to be on a lower scale, Sheets could be less of a health risk between the two free-agent pitchers.

Over the past eight seasons, Sheets has made 30 more starts than Burnett (221 to 191) and pitched 175 2/3 more innings.

Sheets pitched through a torn forearm muscle down the stretch in 2008, and his performance suffered, but he is said to be completely healed. --Ed Price

9:40 p.m. — GM: Peavy-to-Cubs getting closer

Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Tuesday that he continues to move closer to a deal that would send right-hander Jake Peavy to the Cubs.

The teams spoke again on Tuesday, and both expect to know by the end of the winter meetings whether they can reach an agreement.

"We've made progress, but we've still got work to do," Towers said. "Nothing is imminent."

The Cubs might need to do most of the work; they need to trade right- hander Jason Marquis to create payroll flexibility, and they also are pursuing a left-handed hitting outfielder separate from their discussions on Peavy.

The teams have discussed expanding the trade to include the Phillies as a third club. However, the Phillies reported minimal progress on all fronts Tuesday.

Even if the Padres and Cubs agreed on players, the deal might not be finalized until the Cubs received approval from their new owner, who has yet to be selected.

9:28 p.m. — O's now seeking new catcher after trade

The Orioles' trade of Ramon Hernandez to the Reds left them with 27 pitchers but no catchers on their 40-man roster.

The team likely will try to acquire a veteran on a short-term contract — the type of player who could serve as a mentor to the club's No. 1 prospect, catcher Matt Wieters. The Orioles do not plan for Wieters to open the season as their everyday catcher.

Ryan Freel, the sole major leaguer the Orioles acquired from the Reds, likely will serve as a platoon left fielder and backup at second base, third and center field.

8:54 p.m. — Mets, Ibanez spotted at Bellagio

The Mets, having addressed their top priority with the addition of free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, are increasing their efforts to sign free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez.

Members of the Mets' front office were spotted meeting with Ibanez's agents at a restaurant inside the Bellagio hotel on Tuesday afternoon.

Ibanez also is an option for the Cubs; he broke in with the Mariners under Cubs manager Lou Piniella, and the Cubs are seeking a left- handed hitter to play right field.

The Angels, Phillies, Braves and Nationals are among the other teams interested in Ibanez. The Nationals, who are chasing every big left-handed hitter on the market, presumably would use Ibanez at first base as well as in the outfield. The Braves' interest appears to be minimal at best.

8:41 p.m. — Indians just might appeal to Wood

The Indians' move to Arizona for spring training may already be being paying dividends as they try to lure closer Kerry Wood.

Wood has told teams one of his criteria was to continue spring training in Arizona, which he had done with the Cubs for entire career. The Indians now offer him that opportunity.

8:38 p.m. — UPDATED: Giants, Dodgers make sense for Unit

Randy Johnson's agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, have met with eight clubs at the winter meetings, but the Dodgers and Giants appear to best fit the Big Unit's criteria.

Dodgers or Giants look best for Unit. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)

Those criteria include pitching for a contender, achieving 300 wins and 5,000 strikeouts, pitching in the National League, playing on the west coast and training in Arizona.

Johnson, 45, owns a home in southern California and attended USC. The Dodgers are moving into a new spring home in Glendale, Az., in 2009.

The Giants would also make sense for Johnson. They play in pitcher-friendly AT&T Park and their manager Bruce Bochy has a good reputation for working well with veteran pitchers.

The Dodgers, facing multiple holes, surely like the idea that Johnson would sign for only one year at a relatively affordable salary; money is not one of his primary considerations.

Adding to the appeal for the Dodgers is that Johnson — five victories short of 300 and 211 strikeouts short of 5,000 — likely would generate extra revenues during his pursuits of those milestones.

One potential stumbling block: Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who managed Johnson during the pitcher's two trying seasons in New York, 2005 and '06. Torre might not provide a glowing endorsement. --Ken Rosenthal and Ed Price

7:57 p.m. — Rays met with Giambi

Milton Bradley isn't the only free-agent hitter the Rays are pursuing.

Tampa Bay also met with Jason Giambi on Monday, the same day the team had lunch with Bradley. The team is meeting with a number of players face-to-face in an effort to collect as much information as possible before deciding whom to pursue.

Giambi, who spent the past seven seasons with the Yankees, wants to return to the West Coast, but the Rays could be a viable option for him as a full-time designated hitter.

UPDATED 7:35 p.m. — D-backs keeping their catchers

Having seen what Texas got from Detroit for Gerald Laird — two pitchers yet to reach Class AA — the Arizona Diamondbacks have told people they plan to keep both Miguel Montero and Chris Snyder. Arizona had been shopping Montero but had wanted more in return than the Tigers gave up for Laird. --Ed Price

7:06 p.m. — Smoltz's agents in action

Smoltz is reportedly looking good these days. (Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images)

Free-agent right-hander John Smoltz's agents are circulating recent video of the pitcher as well as his medical reports to clubs at the winter meetings.

One general manager says he believes that Smoltz for the first time might be willing to leave the Braves, for whom he has pitched since 1988.

The Braves are waiting to determine if Smoltz is sufficiently recovered from shoulder surgery before offering him a contract, creating the opportunity for other teams to bid.

The Red Sox would have definite interest in Smoltz on a one-year deal, a major-league source said. So might the Yankees, Dodgers and any other team in need of starting pitching.

Smoltz threw off a mound for the first time last Friday since undergoing surgery last June.

5:32 p.m. — Furcal's price to drop?

The failure of free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to get the contract he initially desired has encouraged teams that the prices for other prominent free agents might also drop.

Specifically, two teams interested in Rafael Furcal — the Dodgers and Blue Jays — are hoping that they can now make serious runs at the free-agent shortstop.

The Dodgers are willing to offer a multi-year deal, sources say, but only a dollar amount they find acceptable.

5:21 p.m. — Sources: No truth to CC rumor

There is no truth to reports that CC Sabathia turned down the Yankees, according to two sources with knowledge of the discussions.

It would make little sense for Sabathia to eliminate his highest bidder. It would also make little sense for the Yankees to pull out of the discussions when Sabathia is their principal free-agent target.

The Yankees remain in the mix for Sabathia, along with the Angels, Giants, Red Sox and possibly the Dodgers.

5:14 p.m. — Angels readjusting strategy?

The Angels are beginning to recognize that they will not be the high bidder for free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, a development that could put them firmly in the mix for CC Sabathia — and also lead them to sign another free-agent hitter such as Raul Ibanez, Pat Burrell or Bobby Abreu.

Some in the industry believe that the Nationals are going to make the high offer to Teixeira, who turned down an eight-year, $140 million deal from the Rangers in the summer of 2007, prompting his trade to the Braves.

Teixeira wants a 10-year deal in the range of $20 million per season. If that is his price — and the Nationals come close to it or meet it — he then will need to decide whether to take a lesser proposal from the Angels or Red Sox.

Depending upon the outcomes of their other pursuits, the Angels also could emerge as a player for free-agent left-hander Brian Fuentes, who could replace Francisco Rodriguez in the closer's role.

4:42 p.m. — Giants emerge as Lowell option

With the Boston Red Sox expected to trade Mike Lowell if they sign first baseman Mark Teixeira (Kevin Youkilis would move from first to third), the San Francisco Giants have emerged as an option, since they need a third baseman.

Lowell is coming off hip surgery, so teams might want to see him play in spring training before acquiring him. The Giants tentatively plan to play Pablo Sandoval at third, but they have been linked to a variety of third basemen. --Ed Price

4:26 p.m. — Baldelli a fit for Boston?

While the Red Sox have interest in Rocco Baldelli, they are wary that he will not be able to play enough to fit their needs for a fourth outfielder since they are expecting to have to rest J.D. Drew frequently.

Would Rocco Baldelli be a good fit in Boston? (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)

Baldelli, a free agent, is being pitched to teams as an extra player; he has learned to manage his medical issues that cause fatigue but they still prevent him from playing every day.

Boston would be a fit because Baldelli (a New Englander) could be a right-handed alternative to Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz. But the Red Sox figure Drew will need preventitive rest at the least or, like last season, will miss time with injuries. So their fourth outfielder will need to be able to play for significant stretches.

The Sox are looking to move shortstop Julio Lugo to open up a spot for Jed Lowrie and would then pursue a utility infielder.  --Ed Price

4:15 p.m. — Maple bats are staying

Maple bats are staying in the game.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association said today they have accepted the nine recommendations concerning bats made by the Safety and Health Committee. The recommendations include new slope-of-grain requirements and other technical matters but did not advocate the elimination of maple.

An intedisciplinary study group formed by the Safety and Health Commitee found that maple bats were three times more likely to break into multiple pieces than ash bats. The study group attributed that to difficulty in determining the grain in maple. --Gerry Fraley

UPDATED 4:05 p.m. — Interest in Burnett intensifies

Could A.J. Burnett's price rise to $100 million over five years?

It's not out of the question if the Yankees lose out on CC Sabathia. At that point, Burnett's leverage with the Yankees would be immense.

Failing to sign Burnett would leave the Yankees with free-agent options such as Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets and Randy Wolf.

Burnett had meetings scheduled Tuesday with the Braves and Yankees, but other teams remain in the mix.

Burnett's representatives met with the Yankees, Braves, Red Sox and Orioles on Monday, and Atlanta has made him an offer believed to be $60 million over four years with an option for a fifth.

The Yankees are in active discussions with Sabathia and Sheets as well as Burnett, and remain willing to sign both Sabathia and Burnett, sources say.

Sheets, who also met with the Rangers on Monday, would be a more realistic alternative if the Yankees struck out on one of the elite starters.

3:28 p.m. — Reds, O's agree on trade

The Reds have reached preliminary agreement with the Orioles on a trade that will send catcher Ramon Hernandez to Cincinnati for outfielder Ryan Freel and two prospects, according to a major-league source.

The deal is pending the approval of the commissioner's office, because it involves a cash transaction of more than $1 million.

On Monday, major-league sources said the deal would not be completed unless the Orioles picked up a significant portion of Hernandez's remaining salary.

Hernandez is owed $8 million in 2009 with a club option of $8.5 million or a $1 million buyout for 2010, meaning he is guaranteed $9 million.

UPDATED 3:19 p.m. — K-Rod, Mets reach agreement

Francisco Rodriguez is headed to the Mets. (Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images)

The New York Mets have reached an agreement in principle with All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year, $37 million contract, according to major-league sources. The deal includes a $14 million vesting option for a fourth year that would raise the total value of the contract to $51 million.

The deal is contingent upon Rodriguez passing a physical, and the language of the contract still needs to be finalized.

That vesting option is within reach as long as Rodriguez pitches his normal number of innings as a closer, either in the third year of the deal or in a combination of years two and three. "Basically, he's just got to be healthy," one source said.

The deal also includes performance bonuses that are considered within reasonable reach.

2:42 p.m. — A's show interest in Cabrera

The A's, who last week withdrew their four-year offer to Rafael Furcal, met late Monday night with the agents for another leading free-agent shortstop — Orlando Cabrera. The team's interest in Cabrera, however, is "very limited," according to one source, "mild at best."

If the A's do not sign a shortstop, they will simply use Bobby Crosby as their starter again next season.

2:20 p.m. — Dodgers talking to Manny

The Dodgers met with agent Scott Boras about free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez late Monday night, but did not make a new offer.

Instead, the two sides exchanged ideas, and Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told Boras that he needed to talk with owner Frank McCourt before any further conversations could take place.

The Dodgers' initial offer to Ramirez was for two years, $45 million, according to numerous reports.

1:01 p.m. — Texas unlikely to deal Young

The chances of the Rangers trading shortstop Michael Young appear minimal. Teams are asking the Rangers about Young because of the thin market for shortstops, but the team is unlikely to seriously consider such a deal, according to major-league sources.

Young, who holds a full no-trade clause, is owed approximately $60 million over the next five seasons, some of it deferred. His contract is for $80 million over five years, but after agreeing to the extension in March 2007, he received some of the money the past two seasons as a bonus.

UPDATED 12:57 p.m. — Cubs, Peavy 'not close'

The Cubs maintain that they are "not even close" to a trade for Padres right-hander Jake Peavy and continue to mull a run at free-agent lefty Randy Johnson if the price for Peavy proves too steep.

The Cubs' first priority remains the acquisition of a left-handed hitter; they are considering trades for players such as the Marlins' Jeremy Hermida and free agents such as Milton Bradley, Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu.

No deal for Peavy can be completed until the Cubs' new owner is identified; the new owner would need to approve the addition of the four years and $63 million remaining on the pitcher's contract. Full story...

CC has mass appeal. (Jeff Zelevansky / Getty Images)

12:50 p.m. — Giants want to meet with Sabathia

The Giants intend to meet with free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia.

The sitdown could occur in San Francisco this weekend, the strongest indication yet that Sabathia will wait until after the winter meeting to sign his next contract.

The Giants' top executives, including managing general partner Bill Neukom and club president Larry Baer were at the meetings on Monday, but apparently a face-to-face with Sabathia could not be arranged. Full story...

11:42 a.m. — No big Marlins move coming

The Marlins will not make a deal to match last year's Miguel Cabrera-Dontrelle Willis blockbuster at these meetings. They do not expect to trade second baseman Dan Uggla or third baseman Jorge Cantu. But they remain open to all ideas.

Outfielder Jeremy Hermida, drawing interest from the Cubs, Braves, Reds and Rays, remains the Marlin most likely to be traded. However, even on that front, the team is not close to a deal.

3:03 a.m. — Cards searching for bullpen help

St. Louis is trying to turn its abundance of outfielders into bullpen help.

In addition to talking to Atlanta about outfielder Rick Ankiel, the Cardinals have talked to Philadelphia. The Phillies, who are unlikely to bring back Pat Burrell, would prefer a right-handed bat. The Cardinals' left-handed hitting outfielders, Ankiel and Skip Schumaker, are popular with other clubs.

Ryan Ludwick would be the best fit for the Phillies, but the Phils might not want to break up their bullpen and the Cardinals would want a top-flight reliever in return.  --Gerry Fraley

1:56 a.m. — Braves, Cardinals in talks

The Braves indeed talked to the Cardinals about outfielder Rick Ankiel, but the conversations stalled when the Cardinals asked for left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez. Both Ankiel and Gonzalez are eligible for free agency after next season, but the Braves are reluctant to touch the back end of their bullpen, which they view as a potential strength.

The teams also discussed a lesser deal involving a possible exchange of Braves reliever Blaine Boyer and Cardinals outfielder Joe Mather, but those talks also failed to progress.

1:48 a.m. — Jays meet with Furcal's agents

The Blue Jays, who have been all but eliminated from the A.J. Burnett sweepstakes, met with the agents for Rafael Furcal on Monday, but their pursuit of the free-agent shortstop remains a longshot.

The Jays, sources say, would need ownership approval to get serious with Furcal, who fits their need for a shortstop and leadoff man.

The team recently laid off 24 employees, citing a decline in advertising revenues. Some with the Jays believe that the only way they can bid for Furcal is if his price drops significantly.

Furcal is seeking a four-year contract, and his negotiations with the A's collapsed last week. His agents also met on Monday with the Dodgers, who have been unwilling to give him a long-term deal.

Casey Blake just might stay in L.A. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

12:13 a.m. — Dodgers close to deal with Blake

The Dodgers are close to a deal with free-agent third baseman Casey Blake on a three-year, $17 million contract, according to major-league sources.

Blake, 35, is seeking three guaranteed years, and the Dodgers' proposal enables them to retain him after the Twins were only willing to offer two years and an option.

The Dodgers acquired Blake from the Indians last season shortly before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He batted only .251 for the Dodgers with a .313 on-base percentage, but hit 10 home runs in 211 at-bats and drew praise from Dodgers officials for helping to revive the team along with Manny Ramirez.

If Blake is signed, the Dodgers likely will use Blake DeWitt at second base unless they acquire another player at that position. They are still trying to add a shortstop, and remain in the mix to retain free agent Rafael Furcal.

Complete news and notes: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

Ken Rosenthal is FOXSports.com's senior baseball writer. Gerry Fraley writes baseball for FOXSports.com. Ed Price covers the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger.