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by FOXSports.com
Reds GM denies Joey Votto trade talks
Walt Jocketty told a reporter at the general managers meeting in Chicago that the Reds' payroll is likely to be less for 2010 than it was 2009. That has led to speculation that the Reds are putting veterans on the trading block. "I mentioned that we'd be restricted as far as payroll," Jocketty said. "We've been saying that all along. We won't be active in the free agent market. We have to be creative. "But so little is going on up here as far as trades that people start speculating." Jocketty said he does not have to trade players in order to make budget. "Not yet," he said. There was speculation that Joey Votto could be included in a deal. That's not going to happen."Oh God, no," Jocketty said. But veterans making big money could be moved. -- Cincinnati Enquirer
Twins are ready to reward Joe Mauer
There also is business to be handled, a contract extension aimed at keeping Mauer from becoming a free agent after next season. Told late Wednesday the team has begun negotiating an extension, Mauer said, "That's news to me, I guess." What he did know was that the aches and pains, including an injured hip flexor, that plagued him down the stretch last season are mostly gone. Doctors have given him "the go-ahead to start the offseason as normal, so that's good news," he said. Regardless, the market for a player like Mauer -- still only 26 -- is estimated to be as high as $25 million a year. He just won his third AL batting title with a .365 average, setting a major league record for batting average by a catcher, and set career highs in homers (28) and runs batted in (96) despite missing the first month of the season because of a back injury. Asked Wednesday if he could see any chance of him not signing an extension, Mauer said: "I don't know. I just think these things take care of themselves. It either does happen or it doesn't. I know I love playing here, and I'm comfortable here, so we'll just have to wait and see." -- Pioneer Press
Sources: Phillies target Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Adrian Beltre
Ruben Amaro Jr. is not offering any hints about whom he'd like as his next third baseman, but there are indications it could be one of three players. People who have spoken about the subject with the Phillies general manager believe his wish list is headed, in some order, by Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Adrian Beltre. All are free agents. Amaro spent the last three days at the general managers meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. Before heading back to Philadelphia yesterday, he termed the meetings "a recon visit," in which he met with other teams and agents before the off-season wheeling and dealing begins in earnest. "We had several discussions on ways to improve the club," Amaro said. Amaro has met or spoken by telephone with the agents for a number of free-agent third basemen. In addition to Polanco, DeRosa and Beltre, the crop includes Chone Figgins and Miguel Tejada. All interest the Phillies. But Polanco, DeRosa, and Beltre appear to be the prime targets - for now. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Agent: Japan isn't option for World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, Red Sox interested?
Hideki Matsui may or may not return to the Yankees next season, but according to his agent, the World Series MVP won't be heading back to his native Japan to play in 2010. Arn Tellem said his client will be playing in the majors next season one way or another. "The goal right now is finding the best place for Hideki to continue his career," Tellem said. "When I first met him, he wanted to play 10 years in the major leagues - and I believe he will." A report out of Japan yesterday tabbed the Red Sox as potential suitors for Matsui, saying Boston was preparing a multi-year offer. A Boston source called the story "highly unlikely," noting that unless the Sox were able to unload David Ortiz and his $12.5 million contract for 2010, adding Matsui - who, like Ortiz, is a lefthanded DH - makes no sense for Boston. -- NY Daily News
Tigers CF Curtis Granderson to Wrigley?
Although the Tigers have made all-star center fielder Curtis Granderson available in trade, the Cubs have not pursued that avenue. At least not yet. Granderson, a lefty hitter with a rare power/speed/fielding combo of skills, has three years and $25.75 million left on his contract, plus a $13 million option for 2013 (an $11 million commitment considering the $2 million buyout), so the economics would play a factor for the payroll-watching Cubs. But given the ideal fit provided by the Chicago-area native, conversations between the teams appear inevitable. -- Chicago Sun-Times
KC shopping Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies
Gil Meche's salary jumps to $12 million for next season and 2011 in concluding his five-year, $55 million deal. But his no-trade clause shifts now to a partial no-trade clause before disappearing altogether in the contract's final season. The Royals, at this point, prefer to retain Meche, particularly since his injury-filled 2009 season diminished his trade value. They seem more likely to dangle Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies, each of whom attracted interest before ending the season with shoulder problems. -- KC Star
Cards will stay in Matt Holliday race to a point
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak insisted the club has made no formal offer for Matt Holliday, whose impact has been likened to Teixeira. Mozeliak reiterated after meeting with Boras that the Cardinals would probably make an offer that allows for little improvement. In other words, they remain leery of entering a bidding war that could include the Red Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants. Despite early claims by general manager Brian Cashman to the contrary, the New York Yankees are also considered a potential player. "I think it's fair to say when we present an offer, that's pretty much going to be our position," Mozeliak said. "We're not really interested in becoming involved in a long, drawn-out back-and-forth." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Braves would prefer to trade Derek Lowe
While GM Frank Wren won't tip his hand publicly, an executive from another team said the Braves would prefer to trade Derek Lowe, but also seem willing to move Javier Vazquez or Kenshin Kawakami. The question remains: Can the Braves find a team willing to assume all or most of the $45 million that Lowe is owed over the next three seasons? -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tigers Carlos Guillen to Dodgers?
Let's say the Tigers do talk trade with the Dodgers. How about Edwin Jackson and left fielder Carlos Guillen ($26 million for 2010-11) for left fielder Juan Pierre ($18.5 million for 2010-11) and left-handed reliever George Sherrill? Detroit would save $7.5 million on the outfielder swap and get a player with the speed to play left at Comerica Park and ignite the offense. -- Booth Newspapers
Dodgers Randy Wolf to Brewers?
Brewers GM Doug Melvin is exploring the free-agent market for pitchers with smaller price tags. He spoke at the GM meetings with agent Arn Tellem, who represents left-hander Randy Wolf. Wolf, 33, did a nice job for the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a one-year, $5 million contract, going 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA in 34 starts. Wolf is a Class A free agent, but the Brewers finished in the lower half of the major-league standings in 2009, so they would only forfeit a second-round draft pick to sign him, not a first-rounder. "They think he's earned the right for a multi-year deal, based on what he did this year," said Melvin. "He had a good year. We know what he has to offer and he knows what we have to offer. There's a possibility we'll talk again." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contract showdown looms for New York Yankees as Derek Jeter enters final year of deal
The Yankees have had a long-standing practice of not negotiating extensions with players until their current deals expire, and after holding firm to that two years ago with Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, it's hard to imagine that they would alter their approach with Derek Jeter. "There's no reason to believe that would be different, but I haven't talked to ownership and no one has knocked on our door about it," Brian Cashman said. "I expect that's the way we'll go unless somebody tells me otherwise." Jeter signed his current 10-year, $189 million pact before the 2001 season, even though he would not have been a free agent until the end of that year. But for the past half-dozen years, the Yankees have taken their current approach to dealing with their pending free agents, knowing they could top any deal offered by another club. Jeter earned $20 million in each of the last three seasons, and his salary will increase to $21 million in 2010, likely setting the parameters for his next deal. "I think it's going to be a kind of lifetime achievement award," a NL GM said. "It's hard to give a guy a pay cut - especially that guy." -- NY Daily News
Carl Crawford unlikely to agree to a long-term contract with Rays
The early reports certainly sound promising. The Rays would like to talk to Carl Crawford about another long-term contract, and Crawford seems willing to listen to what the team has to say. So it would seem the franchise's all-time leader in most every significant offensive category has a chance to become one of those iconic players who comes up through the farm system and spends the better part of a career in one uniform. It all sounds grand except for one tiny detail. It will probably never happen. It isn't that I doubt the sincerity of either side in wanting to get a deal done. It's just that circumstances will likely get in the way. Some of it is practical. Crawford already signed away his first two seasons of free agency with his last contract. If he signs another long-term deal now, it pretty much means he will never test the open market while in his prime. -- St. Petersburg Times
Jason Marquis, Brad Penny on D-Backs wish list?
That would leave the Diamondbacks to sift through the likes of Randy Wolf, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis and Brad Penny. And don't forget Carl Pavano or Jarrod Washburn or perhaps even Jon Garland, whom the Diamondbacks signed late last off-season. -- Arizona Republic
Royals must convince Zack Greinke to stick around
The Royals have roughly two years to convince Zack Greinke that it's worth sticking around. Greinke's contract runs through 2012, but it typically becomes harder to retain top players once they enter their final season prior to free agency. While he expresses interest in staying in Kansas City, he was bitterly disappointed at last season's 65-97 disaster. "We'll see when the offseason comes what all we do," Greinke said. "I thought we'd be better than we've been, but we kind of proved this year that we still need more than we have to compete." -- KC Star
Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins as they try to dump Luis Castillo
Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday. Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 this season and staying healthy, GM Omar Minaya may have a difficult time moving Castillo. Castillo is midway through a four-year, $25 million deal that blocked the Mets from signing free agent Orlando Hudson last winter. Castillo had met with team officials at the end of the 2008 season to apologize for his performance and request to remain with the team. The Mets also have expressed interest in Chone Figgins, who is represented by the same agents as Castillo and David Wright. Figgins would provide solid defense in left field, although he wouldn't address the team's power deficiency. The Mets reportedly may be interested in using Figgins at second base. -- NY Daily News
Milton Bradley to Rangers or Rays?
A large sticking point with Milton Bradley will be how much of the $21 million he has coming over the next two years the Cubs will have to absorb. The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays are two American League clubs that appear to have keen interest in Bradley. The Mets have been mentioned as part of some multi-team scenarios, but some baseball people believe Bradley's final landing place won't be New York. -- Arlington Heights Daily News
Padres Kouzmanoff , Pirates LaRoche on Phillies trade radar
First and foremost that the Phillies like their odds of upgrading offensively at third base, most likely through free agency. Although Ruben Amaro said he has had discussions with clubs who are looking to move third basemen - he did not name names, but Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche and San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff could be available - he is focusing most of his attention on five or six prospective free agents whom the team feels would fit. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Indians unlikely to deal Grady Sizemore, Kerry Wood?
The Indians could improve the situation with the right trade. But after two years of fire sales, there aren't many attractive players left. Grady Sizemore would create interest despite recovering from elbow and groin surgery, but surely the Indians have irritated their fans enough for the time being. Closer Kerry Wood might make sense to a contender, depending on how much of his $10.5 million salary the Indians would pay. There would be a rush for Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo, but they aren't going anywhere. They're the Indians' favorite kind of players -- young, talented and cheap. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Royals 2B Alberto Callaspo to Dodgers?
Rumors suggest the Royals are seeking to swing a deal with the Dodgers to acquire catcher A.J. Ellis for second baseman Alberto Callaspo. If true, financial benefits would be down the road. Callaspo should reach arbitration eligibility after next season, but Ellis not until after 2011 at the earliest. If those talks stall, the Royals seem determined to unload Callaspo in hopes of selling high after a season in which he batted .300 with a .356 on-base percentage, 11 homers and 73 RBIs. -- KC Star
Doug Davis back to Brewers?
GM Doug Melvin also spoke with Steve Canter, the agent for free-agent left-hander Doug Davis. The Brewers tried a couple of times last season to acquire Davis, including a waiver claim in August, but never could work out a deal with Arizona. Davis, 34, went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA in 34 starts, and Melvin likes the fact that he usually can be counted on to pitch 200 innings. "The one thing is he's one of the healthier guys (on the market)," said Melvin. "Some pitchers out there haven't pitched a lot (recently). This guy is durable." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Chone Figgins could land in Cheesesteak land
One of those players is versatile Angels infielder/leadoff hitter Chone Figgins, although GM Ruben Amaro has remained publicly pessimistic about his ability to dole out a sizable multiyear contract on par with the 3-year, $31.5 million deal the Phillies handed Raul Ibanez last offseason. The soon-to-be 32-year-old third baseman is an above-average defender who could man the position for at least the next 3 to 4 years (the Phillies do not have any third-base prospects who are anywhere close to major league ready). And with Jimmy Rollins coming off a season in which he hit .250 and is 1 year away from an $8.5 million option in his contract, the need for a top-of-the-order hitter exists. But whether the Phillies are able to make a serious play for Figgins depends on the market that unfolds after the signing period begins on Nov. 20. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Padres could offer Adrian Gonzalez a contract extension?
Would Adrian Gonzalez accept a contract extension to remain a Padre -- not that the club has yet offered that as an option? "I haven't thought about that," he said. "If they want to offer an extension, I'll see where they are." Even if the Padres were to offer Gonzalez a contract extension, a team seeking to trade for him probably would offer more because they would also want to wrap him up for a period of time beyond the first baseman's free-agent date at the end of the 2011 season -- a fact that could also complicate any potential trades. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Joe Mauer talks with Twins have yet to begin
Jerry Bell president of Twins Sports Inc. and General Manager Bill Smith would not confirm a Pioneer Press report that the team has begun talking with Joe Mauer about a new deal. But Bell said: "I think when sides want to get something done, usually they do, and I think that's the case here. But you don't know. It's not done until it's done." Mauer has one more year remaining on the four-year, $33 million deal he signed in February 2007. "I've been thinking about things like that, but to tell you the truth, we haven't really started [negotiating with the Twins]," Mauer said late Wednesday in a phone interview. "It's the same philosophy that I've had: It's going to happen when it happens. So I'm just trying to let things happen, not try to make it happen, and it'll all work out when it needs to." -- Star Tribune
Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay
The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox. According to a source, Blue Jays president Paul Beeston has not resigned himself to the seemingly inevitable move to trade Halladay, believing his team can still compete for a playoff spot in 2010. The circus that surrounded the Halladay situation last summer was one of the primary factors in the firing of former general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who made it clear he did not want to deal the ace within the division. Alex Anthopoulos appears willing to move Halladay to an AL East team, but before Toronto's new GM begins fielding offers, the organization must first settle on the idea of whether to trade him at all. -- NY Daily News
Grabow getting Cubs extension?
The Cubs' next order of business appears to be finishing off a multi-year extension for free agent lefty John Grabow (likely two years in the $7 million neighborhood). Hendry resumed talks with Grabow's agent this week, and a deal could be finalized by early next week. -- Chicago Sun-Times
D-Backs unlikely to deal Stephen Drew?
D-Backs officials continue to insist that shortstop Stephen Drew is very unlikely to be traded, which seems to suggest Byrnes might have no choice but free agency to find a starter. If he does go into the upper middle-class of starters, he sounds more willing than previously to discuss a multiyear deal. -- Arizona Republic
Chan Ho back to Phillies?
The Phillies feel they have a solid chance of re-signing Chan Ho Park. Amaro said yesterday the club was prepared to make a formal offer to the veteran righthander, who will turn 37 in June. But Park was quoted by the Korea Times yesterday saying he wanted to be a starter, and that he wanted to pitch for a team that would let him start. "I want to be a starter, the hero of the game who takes full responsibility," Park was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency at a press conference in Seoul, according to the Times. Still, Amaro said that agent Jeff Borris has told the team that Park is willing to re-sign as a reliever, which is the only role in which the Phillies view him. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Braves could retain Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano?
The Braves are looking to add a power hitter and might have to fill holes in the bullpen and/or first base, depending whether they retain closers Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano and first baseman Adam LaRoche, all free agents. "We had some meetings with clubs yesterday and did some additional talking last night and this morning, so I think we've got a better lay of the land from a standpoint of who we match up well with," Wren said. He said it was too early to know whether the Braves would try to re-sign LaRoche or offer arbitration to Soriano and Gonzalez. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rockies haven't talked with Yorvit Torrealba
The Rockies have not talked to Yorvit Torrealba since they declined his $4 million option Friday. Torrealba rejected a two-year, $4.5 million deal from the Rockies in the days leading up to that decision. That choice needs context, however. He turned that down before the Rockies had decided whether they were going to pick up his option. These options are a bit of a poker game. But it's understandable that Torrealba would turn down the two-year deal if there was still a chance the team would exercise the $4 million option. There remains a chance that Torrealba, a popular figure in the clubhouse, could return as a free agent. The Rockies have exclusive negotiating rights until Nov. 20. -- Denver Post
Brewers have interest in lefty Jarrod Washburn
The Brewers also have interest in left-hander Jarrod Washburn, whom they tried to acquire from Seattle before the July 31 trade deadline. Instead, Washburn was traded to Detroit, where he struggled (1-3, 7.33 ERA in eight starts). As it turned out, Washburn had a minor knee problem that required arthroscopic surgery after the season. His agent, Scott Boras, said Washburn's knee is fine now and indicated the Brewers have interest but the sides did not talk at these meetings. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Carl Pavano returning to Twins?
Carl Pavano's agent, Tom O'Connell, confirmed that he met with the Twins on Wednesday night in Chicago and called it an excellent first meeting. Pavano, 33, went 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 12 starts with the Twins after arriving in a trade from Cleveland. He'll likely test the free agent market, but the Twins expressed their desire to bring him back. -- Star Tribune
Royals dealing Jose Guillen?
The Royals would love to trade Jose Guillen, who remains on the books for $12 million next season in concluding his three-year deal, but see little chance of doing so. Instead, they seem increasingly willing to hope the motivation of pending free agency fuels a comeback performance. But even a healthy, productive Guillen figures to display limited defensive range, which creates the added need for a speedy, ball-hawking center fielder. -- KC Star
Joe Crede back to Twins?
Twins free-agent third baseman Joe Crede, 31, who said his third back surgery toward the end of last season was minor, loves playing baseball outside in the cold and would welcome a chance to return to Minnesota at Target Field. Any contract, though, would have to be heavy with incentive clauses. -- Pioneer Press
D-Backs would like to deal Chris Snyder?
The Diamondbacks also don't appear to have many trade chips they are willing to move. Catcher Chris Snyder is one, but his health and contract combination pose a challenge, and teams looking for catchers might not match up well. Sources say the Reds and Royals likely will shed salary this off-season, and the Mets don't appear to have much in the way of major-league-ready talent available. The Diamondbacks conceivably could revisit a deal with Toronto later in the off-season. -- Arizona Republic
Jim Thome back to ChiSox?
White Sox GM Ken Williams was asked about the Sox possibly re-signing their own free agents, presumably Jim Thome and/or Jermaine Dye. "I don't exclude anything," Williams said. "I know which direction I want to go, but I can't exclude anyone. I can tell you the likelihood with each day that goes by is not great. But at the end of the day when January comes around, you can be looking around, and there's going to be some opportunity at the end of December or January. So you got to wait to play your hand." -- Arlington Heights Daily News
Cubs pass on Marlins Dan Uggla
Despite the Cubs' search for a second baseman, they're not looking at Florida's run-producing 2B Dan Uggla. -- Chicago Sun-Times
ChiSox dealing Bobby Jenks?
White Sox GM Ken Williams would not comment on whether other teams have been asking about closer Bobby Jenks. -- Arlington Heights Daily News
Braves set to announce Tim Hudson signing?
The Braves are expected to announce Thursday that Tim Hudson has signed a three-year contract extension. It was all but completed last week, but Hudson had previous travel commitments that delayed an MRI, the last step of his physical exam. Once Hudson is signed, the Braves will have six proven starters, including phenom Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens, both presumably off-limits. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nationals Stephen Strasburg cleared for next Fall League start
Right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' No. 1 overall draft pick this June, was cleared to make his next scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League on Saturday. Strasburg, 21, had been scratched from his scheduled start in last Saturday's AFL "Rising Stars" game due to a strained muscle in his neck. -- Washington Post
Billy Wagner back to Sox?
The idea of Billy Wagner returning does not appear to worry the Red Sox . Agent Bean Stringfellow raised a few eyebrows Tuesday when he said Wagner liked his six-week stint with the Red Sox so much that he would consider accepting an offer of arbitration. There is little precedent for a player of Wagner's status and experience to go to arbitration rather than pursue free agency. While Stringfellow said he heard from seven teams interested in pursuing Wagner as a closer, the left-hander might be OK with a set-up role with the Sox. After Sox general manager Theo Epstein spoke with Stringfellow Tuesday night, he decided Wagner was speaking from the heart and that perhaps it was not such a surprising development. -- Boston Herald
Twins Mauer getting bonus money
Twins catcher Joe Mauer, who received a $25,000 bonus for being on the all-star team this season and another $25,000 for being a Gold Glove winner, will get a $100,000 bonus if he's named the American League's MVP, which is expected to happen on Nov. 23. -- Pioneer Press
Brewers unlikely to get John Lackey
As badly as the Milwaukee Brewers could use a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's unlikely they will be able to get into serious bidding for right-hander John Lackey, the top starter on the free-agent market. "It depends what they're asking for," said the Brewers' Doug Melvin, who headed home Wednesday after the annual general managers meetings wrapped up at the O'Hare Hilton. "I don't know if it could fit or not. I might have to make some other moves to make it fit." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Indians Grady Sizemore recovering from surgeries
Chris Antonetti, the Indians' assistant general manager, said center fielder Grady Sizemore is recovering well from his two September surgeries. Sizemore underwent surgery on his left elbow and left groin. "Grady is in Goodyear [Ariz.], and his rehab is going well," said Antonetti. "He's running and cutting. His recovery from elbow surgery has gone as expected. There should be no limitations in his off-season conditioning program." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dodgers 87-year-old scout, gets a 56% pay cut
After spending the last couple of weeks choking on the McCourt divorce numbers -- $6,000 a year for birthday parties? -- Dodgers fans can finally relax. Your favorite team has figured out how to pay for it all. They're taking it out of George Genovese. "I was like, 'What did I do?' " said Genovese, 87, a crooked grin rising from beneath his thick glasses and shock of gray hair. Genovese, perhaps baseball's most notable living amateur scout, was sitting in the aging easy chair in his tiny North Hollywood home recently when he received a solemn phone call from one of his Dodgers bosses. He was thereby informed that his annual part-time salary was being slashed. From $18,000 to $8,000 -- a 56% pay cut. -- LA Times
Cubs opening outdoor ice-skating rink in Wrigley Field parking lot
Sneed hears the Cubs plan to build an outdoor ice-skating rink along Clark Street in the parking lot just west of Wrigley Field. The stats: The temporary rink will open ASAP (probably in mid-December) and run through February. Skate rental and ice time will cost about $10. The cash will be used to fund the $300,000 operation, which will not make a profit, a source said. (Word is the ice rink, which is largely credited to Ald. Tom Tunney, will be run by the Chicago Park District. No word yet on where the Zamboni will be parked.) -- Chicago Sun-Times
Garland, Marquis, Mulder on Milwaukee radar
Other free-agent pitchers the Brewers might look into include right-handers Jon Garland and Jason Marquis, both of whom are Class B. The Brewers also are expected to show interest in signing left-hander Mark Mulder, who has a connection to new pitching coach Rick Peterson but hasn't pitched for a couple of years due to arm problems. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Brad Pitt's baseball movie Moneyball finds new director?
Brad Pitt's baseball movie Moneyball may have found a new director in (500) Days Of Summer's Marc Webb. The Sony project has been put on hold since Steven Soderbergh quit, but The Hollywood Reporter claims Webb is in talks to take over after meeting with Brad, the movie's producers and Sony executives in recent weeks. But Capote director Bennett Miller is also being considered for the position. The movie will tell the story of how unorthodox general manager, Billy Beane - played by Brad - transformed the fortunes of the Oakland As by putting his faith in a stat-based recruitment system. -- Herald.ie
Cubs opening outdoor ice-skating rink in Wrigley Field parking lot
Sneed hears the Cubs plan to build an outdoor ice-skating rink along Clark Street in the parking lot just west of Wrigley Field. The stats: The temporary rink will open ASAP (probably in mid-December) and run through February. Skate rental and ice time will cost about $10. The cash will be used to fund the $300,000 operation, which will not make a profit, a source said. (Word is the ice rink, which is largely credited to Ald. Tom Tunney, will be run by the Chicago Park District. No word yet on where the Zamboni will be parked.) -- Chicago Sun-Times
Braves CF Jordan Schafer ready for Spring Training
Braves GM Frank Wren said center fielder Jordan Schafer is recovering well from late-season wrist surgery and expects to get the cast off in the next couple of weeks, a few weeks sooner than expected. Schafer won't play winter ball but should be ready for spring training. However, the Braves won't put pressure on Schafer, who was their opening-day center fielder last season as a rookie, but was demoted two months later. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gary DiSarcina could join Red Sox staff
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein returned home last night and will begin focusing today on filling the bench coach vacancy left behind by Brad Mills, who became the Houston Astros manager. Third base coach DeMarlo Hale and first base coach Tim Bogar are internal candidates. Should Hale or Bogar move to the dugout, former Lowell Spinners manager Gary DiSarcina is a candidate to take over one of the bases. DiSarcina is now the minor league roving infield instructor. -- Boston Herald
Yanks Derek Jeter forced to turn down drinks
"If I had shots with everyone that offered, I'd be drunk all the time" -- Derek Jeter to Hudson Terrace owner Michael Sinensky. -- NY Post
Former Red Sox narrates baseball documentary
Former Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin narrates the new flick "Touching the Game, Alaska," a movie about baseball in the Land of the Midnight Sun by the Boston filmmakers who did "Touching the Game, the Story of the Cape Cod Baseball League." Terry Francona, J.D. Drew , Jacoby Ellsbury , Bill Lee, Dave Winfield, Jered Weaver and many more Big Leaguers are interviewed in the flick about the Alaska Baseball League . It will be released Nov. 30. -- Boston Herald
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