Latest buzz from MLB's GM meetings

CHICAGO

The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season. Thankfully, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi are on the ground in Chicago with all the latest gossip and buzz. Note: All times listed are ET. Monday's buzz

Wednesday

Sherrill for Jackson a possibility? -- 10:33 a.m.

The Dodgers have some interest in Tigers starter Edwin Jackson, who is available. But one source with knowledge of the teams' positions said the sides haven't discussed a trade of Jackson for reliever George Sherrill. Still, a 1-for-1 trade of those players might ultimately make sense for both clubs. A big reason: Sherrill ($2.75 million) and Jackson ($2.2 million) earned very similar base salaries in salary arbitration this year. That should be the case again in 2010, which would enable the cash to balance easily. The Dodgers need a reasonably low-cost starter such as Jackson. The Tigers would like to acquire a late-inning reliever to offset the potential free-agent departures of Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon. Detroit had interest in Sherrill as a trade candidate when he was pitching for the Orioles.

Mariners looking to keep ace, add vets? -- 10:25 a.m.

One agent who spoke with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik this week came away convinced that Seattle will try to add veteran talent this winter -- rather than move star pitcher Felix Hernandez. In fact, a starting pitcher is on the Mariners' wish list. "Jack wants to win," the agent said.

Sources: Phils looking at reliever Rodney -- 2:03 a.m.

The Phillies, looking to upgrade their bullpen, are showing preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander Fernando Rodney, according to major-league sources. Rodney, 32, converted 37 of 38 save chances with the Tigers last season, albeit with a 4.40 ERA. He would give the Phillies an alternative to closer Brad Lidge, who led the majors with 11 blown saves and had a 7.21 ERA. Tigers general manager David Dombrowski acknowledged Tuesday that he is not optimistic he can sign both of his free-agent relievers, Rodney and right-hander Brandon Lyon. Of the two, Lyon figures to be less expensive. Rodney, as a Type B free agent, is certain to draw heavy interest from a large number of clubs, including perhaps two others in the NL East, the Mets and Braves. The Phillies, dealing with budgetary concerns, might opt for less expensive options. Teams can sign a Type B free agent without losing a draft pick.

Sources: Angels still in Lackey hunt — 1:45 a.m.

Don't rule the Angels out of the John Lackey sweepstakes just yet. The Angels remain interested in re-signing their free-agent right- hander, according to major-league sources. Full story ...

Cubs nearing deal with LHP Grabow — 1:00 a.m.

The Cubs are making progress on a deal with left-handed reliever John Grabow, one source said tonight. The deal could be for two years, the source said. Grabow, a free agent, came to the Cubs in a midseason trade with the Pirates.

Tuesday

Treanor planning to play in '10 — 10:57 p.m.

Catcher Matt Treanor, who missed nearly all season after hip and pelvic surgeries, intends to play in 2010. He's scheduled to play for Licey in the Dominican Winter League, according to Joel Wolfe, one of his representatives. "He's going to go to the Dominican and show that he's healthy," Wolfe said. The Tigers removed Treanor from their roster last week, making him a free agent.

Giants GM expands on team's offensive desires — 10:54 p.m.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean was looking for offense at the trade deadline. And he's still searching for it now. "We're going to need one or two legitimate hitters who are definitive upgrades," he said. Key to the Giants' plans is that slugger Pablo Sandoval can play either first or third base. His defensive position in 2010 could be determined by where the best available upgrade is. "He's about average at both positions," Sabean said. San Francisco has previously shown interest in Florida second baseman Dan Uggla, who some believe could play third.

Twins not opposed to adding a veteran arm — 8:30 p.m.

Twins general manager Bill Smith doesn't feel like he needs to add a starting pitcher this offseason. But he still might. Smith listed six internal candidates for the five-man rotation: Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano, Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing. What's missing? A veteran. Fortunately for Smith, there are a lot of No. 3 and No. 4 starters on the free agent market. Carl Pavano, who finished the year with the Twins, is one of them. Smith has interest in bringing him back. Smith is upbeat about the chances that Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser can contribute in the bullpen after missing this year with injuries. Neshek was a top setup man before undergoing Tommy John surgery. "If Pat Neshek can come back," Smith said, "that would be a huge addition back to our bullpen."

M's GM may be keen on lefty Davis — 8:22 p.m.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik is familiar with free agent left-hander Doug Davis, from their time together in Milwaukee. The two have a good relationship, one source said today, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the Mariners viewed Davis as a good fit for pitcher-friendly Safeco Field. Jarrod Washburn (in Seattle) and Kenny Rogers (in Detroit) are similar lefties who have thrived in big home ballparks. With Franklin Gutierrez in center and Ichiro Suzuki in right, the Mariners have the makings of a very good outfield defense. That would make Davis a more attractive option.

Dodgers called "a mess" by rival GM — 8 p.m.

The Divorce Court Dodgers, in the words of one rival general manager, are "a mess." The team's payroll, direction, future ... unknown. The divorce proceedings between owner Frank McCourt and his wife Jamie are almost certain to affect the way the Dodgers operate. Then again, general manager Ned Colletti is accustomed to working under unique financial restrictions. Colletti faces two major issues this offseason:

Three of his starting pitchers — Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland — are free agents.

Nine Dodgers are eligible for salary arbitration, including many of the team's young, core players. At the moment, Colletti only can make cash-neutral trades, according to major-league sources. Like most executives, he is no rush to act quickly in an uncertain economic landscape. And he clearly is capable of great patience; he waited until March last off-season to re-sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. Colletti said he would like to add at least one starting pitcher, "but the free-agent market doesn't do a lot for me, certainly not at the top." He also rose to the defense of right-hander Chad Billingsley, saying, "We haven't given up hope that he will be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. And (Clayton) Kershaw is right with him, in some ways ahead of him." Billingsley is one of the Dodgers' arbitration-eligible players, along with closer Jonathon Broxton and outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp. The rest of the group includes catcher Russell Martin, first baseman James Loney, outfielder Jason Repko and left-handed relievers Hong-Chih Kuo and George Sherrill. "We're not going to move any of 'em just to move 'em," Colletti said. "But if you end up getting in situations where the talent doesn't equal the value of the contract, it becomes just like everything else." A situation in which hard decisions must be made.

Boras sounds off at GM meetings — 7:43 p.m.

Scott Boras spoke with reporters Tuesday night at the general managers' meetings and conducted his usual wide-ranging, question-and-answer session. Some of his most interesting comments came in response to queries about his most prominent current free agent, left fielder Matt Holliday. H-eeee-rreee's Scott ...

On whether Holliday's early struggles with the A's last season showed that he is better off in the National League: "Look at the totality of the circumstances. Matt Holliday in American League ballparks in inter-league play did very well. Johnny Damon didn't play well in Oakland for a period of time. It didn't prove he couldn't play well in the American League." Boras added that Holliday's difficulties in the first five weeks were largely mechanical, and that he resumed hitting after going back to his normal stance.

On how strongly Holliday will consider ballpark dimensions when making his decision. Two teams that might be interested in him, the Mets and Giants, play in pitcher-friendly parks: "(Holliday) is a great hitter. He's not necessarily a home-run hitter. He's a hitter. Being a gap hitter, the way he can run, score runs, drive in runs, his value is in RBIs, runs scored, runs produced. "His OPS always has been very high in the 900s. His forearms are the size of most people's legs. He's a very strong contact hitter. "(With) his ability to drive the baseball, his play in a variety of ballparks is unlike a power hitter's who may need more geometric variables in his favor."

On comments by Joe Urbon, the agent for left fielder Jason Bay, describing Bay as the "most complete player" on the free-agent market: "I represent Matt Holliday. I'll serve as an advocate. I don't know what criteria he's looking at, and that's fine. All I can tell you is that I've been around baseball a long time ... and Matt Holliday is a complete player. That's all I'll say."

Sources: Tigers trying to deal All-Star Jackson — 7:02 p.m.

Edwin Jackson was an All-Star pitcher for the Tigers this year. He looked like one of the great acquisitions in baseball for most of the season — a starter who pitched deep into games and wouldn't become a free agent until 2011.

Now? The Tigers have made Jackson available on the trade market as part of an effort to alleviate their payroll crunch, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com. Full story ...

Will Giants pay for some pop? — 6:40 p.m.

The Giants need a bat. Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are free agents. Does two plus two equal say, $100 million, for one of those players? "It's not a particularly attractive or foolproof group of people," Giants general manager Brian Sabean told reporters on Tuesday. "You know the two big names. You know how that's going to go. At the end of the day, it's going to be a high-stakes poker game. They're going to be big signings." So, is Sabean interested? "You've got to be realistic," he said. "If they really want to come to San Francisco ... we'll gauge it that way. If they are people who are sincerely interested in San Francisco, we'll be interested." Translation: Sabean does not want to be used. One rival GM estimates that the Giants have only $10 million to spend in 2010, and could settle for less expensive free agents such as first baseman Nick Johnson and outfielder Xavier Nady. Holliday does not have especially good career numbers at AT&T Park — a .272 batting average, .741 OPS and three home runs in 180 at-bats. Bay, meanwhile, is a proven hitter in both leagues, but many rival scouts and executives are critical of his defense.

D-backs' outlook riding Webb — 6:21 p.m.

The Diamondbacks, who want to add a No. 4 starter behind right-handers Dan Haren, Brandon Webb and Max Scherzer, believe their chances next season hinge largely upon how Webb performs. Webb, coming off arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, will return on a one-year, $8.5 million deal — the risk that the D-backs took by exercising his club option. If Webb pitches well, the D-backs could contend. If he pitches poorly or gets injured, the team again could struggle. There is one other scenario: If Webb pitches well and Diamondbacks play poorly, he could be next year's Roy Halladay, the best pitcher available at the July 31 non- waiver deadline.

How will Cards react if they lose Holliday? — 6:16 p.m.

The Cardinals, rather than sign another expensive outfielder, would redirect their resources based on how the market evolves, according to a major-league source. The chances of the Cardinals retaining Holliday appear increasingly slim. Holliday, represented by Scott Boras, is seeking a market-driven contract. The question is which team will give it to him. The Red Sox could re-sign Jason Bay. The Yankees might prefer to keep Johnny Damon or pursue Chone Figgins. The Mets could seek less expensive hitters. The Angels failed to get a deal with Boras for free-agent left fielder Mark Teixeira last offseason. The Giants might not have enough payroll flexibility.

Byrd likely to be targeted by Cubs — 6:10 p.m.

Once the Cubs trade Milton Bradley, their plan is to find a center fielder and move Kosuke Fukudome back to right field. Free agent Marlon Byrd is certain to draw their interest. Rudy Jaramillo, the Cubs' new hitting coach, is a huge fan of Byrd's from their three seasons together with the Rangers, according to major-league sources. The Cubs also made a strong run at Byrd in trade discussions with Rangers before the 2008 season. Byrd, 32, is seeking a multi-year contract after batting .283 for the Rangers last season with a career-high 20 homers and 89 RBIs. Mike Cameron, 36, is another center fielder who could intrigue the Cubs. Cameron batted .250 with 24 homer and 70 RBIs for the Brewers last season, and his .795 OPS was nearly as high as Byrd's .808. Both are right-handed hitters.

No talks of instant replay — 5:17 p.m.

There were no proposals to change instant replay when the general managers met today. Full story ...

Varitek has lots to consider — 4:31 p.m.

With Jason Varitek, the question comes down to this: How badly does he want to stay in Boston? Varitek must decide by Saturday whether to exercise his $3 million option or become a free agent. The Red Sox declined their option to bring him back for $5 million, leaving Varitek with his own choice. While Varitek might not command a $3 million salary on the open market, he might receive a one- or two-year deal at a lesser salary from a team seeking to stabilize its pitching, major-league sources say. The Mets are one team with possible interest, according to the New York Post. Teams with young pitching such as the Orioles, Nationals, Brewers and Rangers also would represent possible fits. The Red Sox have publicly announced that they will give the bulk of playing time at catcher to Victor Martinez.

3B, 'pen, not Halladay, are Phils' priorities — 4:06 p.m.

Phillies officials today strongly downplayed the possibility that they have enough money in their budget to afford Roy Halladay. Third base and the bullpen are more pressing areas of need. "For me, those are the top priorities," general manager Ruben Amaro said. Philadelphia, of course, pursued Halladay aggressively in July before acquiring Cliff Lee. There is a reasonable chance of Toronto dealing Halladay this offseason, but Philadelphia won't be the destination. One Phillies official said Kyle Drabek — a primary prospect the Blue Jays wanted in the summer talks — might be ready to start in the majors sometime in 2010, anyway. But Amaro said Drabek would ideally arrive in the majors in September 2010 or thereafter. The current rotation includes Cliff Lee, J.A. Happ, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer. Amaro said he expects Moyer to be ready for spring training after missing the end of the season with injuries.

Smoltz wants to keep playing — 3:49 p.m.

It's official — John Smoltz intends to play next season. Smoltz, 42, met with his agents on Tuesday and informed them of his desire to extend his 22-year career. Smoltz, a free agent, is open to starting or relieving, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. He does not have a specific team in mind, but figures to again end up in the National League. Smoltz signed a free-agent contract with the Red Sox last winter but was released after going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA in eight starts. He then signed with the Cardinals and performed much better, going 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA in seven starts.

ChiSox not confident about Figgins — 2:23 p.m.

The White Sox need a leadoff man, but the team still expects that free agent Chone Figgins will be out of their price range. Figgins could fit for the Sox at third, with the White Sox moving newly acquired Mark Teahen to right field, or in left field. Rival scouts and executives view Teahen as a below-average defender at third, but the Sox likely will keep him in that spot and seek an outfielder who could hit at the top of the order. If the Sox added no one, they could use Gordon Beckham at leadoff. Another option could be top outfield prospect Jordan Danks, who could emerge as this year's Beckham from the farm system. They could also go back to Scott Podsednik, who is a free agent. The expectation, however, is that the Sox will add a leadoff man.

Harden could be good fit for M's — 12:47 p.m.

Free agent Rich Harden could be a fit for the Mariners, if they decide to upgrade their rotation. (Offense is their main priority.) Harden has had success in the American League West and was born in nearby Victoria, B.C. "He could commute on a seaplane," quipped one person in the industry. A number of teams could benefit from adding a power arm like Harden, but questions persist about his durability.

Yanks taking it 'slow' with Matsui — 12:37 p.m.

The Yankees are "taking it very slow" with free agent Hideki Matsui, one person with knowledge of the talks said this morning. One thing to keep in mind: The Yankees have a number of sponsorships with Japanese companies — not to mention broad media exposure in the baseball-loving culture — tied into Matsui's presence on the team. The person believes Matsui and Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki could coexist on the same team. He downplayed the supposed rift between the two that dated to the start of their respective careers in Japan. The fact that both have achieved so much in the U.S. could make a union in Seattle more tenable, the person believes.

Agent: Putz would consider set-up role — 12:30 p.m.

Teams in search of late-inning relief help will not lack for options. Right-hander J.J. Putz, a free agent, is one intriguing possibility. The Mets, as expected, declined Putz's $9.1 million option; Putz did not pitch after June 4 due to an elbow problem that required surgery. But Putz, the Mariners' former closer, is again healthy and throwing. Under the right circumstances, he would be willing to accept a setup role, according to his agent, Craig Landis. "He has a preference to be a closer, but absolutely will not rule out an eighth-inning job depending upon many factors," Landis said. "Money obviously will be one. Location, how good the team is, the coaching staff. If everything else stacked up and it happened to be a setup job, we'd consider it."

Japanese reliever may have big-league potential — 11:01 a.m.

Ryota Igarashi could emerge as one of the most talked-about relievers of the offseason. He has pitched for the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central League but became a free agent recently and intends to pitch in the major leagues. One person familiar with Igarashi, 30, said the right-hander's fastball velocity sits between 92 and 95 mph. The person added that Igarashi's effectiveness in the majors could ultimately compare with that of Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima or former major-league closer Akinori Otsuka. Meanwhile, a scout who has watched Igarashi described him as a "solid middle reliever" who has a "good arm when healthy." That's a reference to the Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2007 season. Igarashi was an eighth-inning man and closer during his career in Japan. Big-league teams will likely view him as a setup man this winter.

Agent says reliever Wagner is in demand — 10:19 a.m.

Bean Stringfellow, the agent for veteran closer Billy Wagner, said Tuesday morning that six teams have already called to ask about his client. All of them are interested in Wagner as a closer, Stringfellow said. "That's what he is — a closer," Stringfellow added. Stringfellow declined to say which teams had inquired. But the Tigers, Astros, Rays, Orioles, Braves and Nationals are among the clubs with uncertainty at the back end of their bullpen.

Stringfellow said Wagner's performance with the Red Sox — a 1.98 ERA in 15 late-season appearances — eliminated any doubt about his arm following elbow surgery. "This is a normal offseason for him," Stringfellow said.

Wood in limbo until Angels decide on Figgins — 10:19 a.m.

Regardless of whether the Angels re-sign free-agent third baseman Chone Figgins, they will need to make a decision on his potential replacement, Brandon Wood. Wood, who is out of minor-league options, has yet to establish himself in the majors, in part due to a lack of opportunity. Angels general manager Tony Reagins says Wood will fit in "somewhere" next season. But at this point, Reagins can't say where. Third base is the logical spot, but only if Figgins departs. Erick Aybar is established at Wood's other position, shortstop. The Angels also could trade Wood if they re-sign Figgins. But Wood's value is not as high as it once was — he turns 25 on March 2.

Money is 'tight' in Detroit — 10:15 a.m.

The Tigers will be "tight" with their offseason spending, according to one person who was briefed on the club's plans. That does not bode well for their chances to re-sign second baseman Placido Polanco, who earned $4.6 million this year. But Polanco is a Type A free agent, meaning other teams may be reluctant to sign him if the Tigers offer salary arbitration. Scott Sizemore, a 24-year-old prospect with no major-league experience, is the best internal candidate to replace Polanco. Sizemore batted .308 between Class AA and Class AAA this year but broke his ankle in the Arizona Fall League. He's not the polished defender that Polanco is. If Sizemore's ankle becomes a concern as the offseason goes along, it wouldn't be surprising if the Tigers pursued a veteran infielder like Craig Counsell, a longtime favorite of manager Jim Leyland. But Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that he doesn't expect to sign an everyday second baseman if Polanco ends up elsewhere. Ramon Santiago is expected to return as a utility man.

Royals' Callaspo to get new role? — 10:07 a.m.

Newly acquired second baseman Chris Getz offers the Royals something they don't have — speed. Team officials believe the team has too many "tweeners" — players with not enough power, not enough speed. Third baseman Mark Teahen fit that description, which is one reason why the Royals sent him to the White Sox for Getz and third baseman Josh Fields. The other reason, of course, is that Teahen's salary could rise beyond $5 million in arbitration. The question now is what Getz's arrival will mean for Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo, whose .823 OPS at second last season ranked behind only Robinson Cano and Aaron Hill in the American League. One possibility is for Callaspo to split his at-bats between second, third and DH. Another is to trade him; other clubs are showing interest.

Bradley's big contract a barrier — 9:58 a.m.

The Rays remain interested in Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley, but his contract might be too big an impediment to a trade. Bradley, 30, not only is guaranteed $21 million over the next two seasons, but also can earn an additional $1 million each year by making 575 plate appearances. Granted, Bradley has reached that total only once in his injury-marred career — in 2004 with the Dodgers. But the Rays, by using Bradley as their designated hitter, would anticipate that he would stay healthier and play more often. His contract includes a $200,000 bonus for 525 plate appearances, $300,000 for 550 plate appearances and $500,00 for 575 plate appearances. One way to bridge the financial gap would be for Bradley to restructure his contract and defer money, a concession he likely would make to facilitate a trade out of Chicago.

Mariners in the market for punch at the plate — 9:48 a.m.

The Mariners will at least "kick the tires" on free agent left fielder Jason Bay, one major- league source said, as they consider ways to stimulate an offense that finished last in the American League with 640 runs scored. Bay lives in the Seattle area, which enhances his appeal. But other right-handed power hitters — Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, to name two — have struggled in their first seasons at Safeco Field. One way or the other, the Mariners seem likely to add an impact bat before Opening Day. Their budget is too big, and their need too great, for them to stand pat. The Mariners could also reconfigure their infield in an attempt to score more runs. The team hasn't ruled out the possibility of Jose Lopez playing somewhere other than second base, which would offer flexibility. But Lopez prefers to play second.